Take a mother who could give "Mommy Dearest" a run for her money, two daughters trying to survive and find happiness, and a boy from the future. Lavinia Clifford is a spiritualist, using her spirit guides to provide clients with solace and information from beyond the grave. Her children are a bothersome fact of life, punished for every infraction by being locked in the linen cupboard all day, or worse. But when the girls sneak out their mother's spirit board, they are amazed to connect with a boy living in their own house 100 hundred years in the future from them. Alec is dealing with his parents' divorce and the move to a new home and new school. Making friends, visiting with the counselor his mother wants him to see, and worrying about his mother's unhappiness are all hard to bear. So the conversations with the sisters from the past are as much a pleasure for him as they are for the girls. Can these friends separated by a century actually help each other?

The blend of historical fiction for the Clifford sisters with the current setting of Alec makes some fascinating contrasts. Wax cylinders for phonographs as compared to iPods, or black and white moving pictures compared to today's brilliantly colored films with lavish soundtracks make the difference between the two time periods very obvious. The details about seances, research into the spiritual realm, and the various tools used are also relics from that time and will seem very odd to modern readers.

The bittersweet (almost) certainty that they will never meet haunts us as we read about their growing friendship. How will it all turn out? Can there be a happy ending for all of them? You will have to find out for yourself.

I've found that I typically stick to specific authors and genres, but something about this book called to me. I was wrapped in the story immediately and felt myself really connecting with both of the main characters. I was pulling for both of them even though I felt like it was impossible for things to work out for them. Not only was The Boy From Tomorrow engaging, but it had me really trying to figure out how things were going to happen due to this 100 year time gap.
I can't compare this book to any other book I've read, because it stands out to me so much as one of a kind. I was worried that I might not be the target audience for The Boy From Tomorrow, but it really is geared towards middle schoolers and adults alike. I think I've found my new favorite YA author!

This is a spooky story with a medium who communicates with spirits, a talking board, a graveyard, a cruel villain, a creepy doll who whispers to a little girl and a friendship across time.

Josie’s mother is twice-widowed and must earn a living for herself and her children. She does so as a medium, contacting spirits of the dead. She is fortunate to have wealthy patrons, and so she can afford a respectable home and a governess for her children. There was a bit of a scandal in her past, so she keeps her children isolated from the rest of world. Josie has no friends besides her sister, Cassie, and her governess, Emily. Though Josie is skeptical of her mother’s ability to really communicate with deceased people, she is also curious. She discovers a spirit board in the room her mother uses to do readings for her clients. She is startled to receive messages from some boys who claim to live one hundred years in the future.

Alec is a twelve-year-old boy whose parents are divorcing. He and his mom move to a new town and he ends up living in the same house where Josie lived in 1915. He and his friend find the spirit board when they are exploring the house. They start playing around with it and are spooked when it seems that spirits really are speaking to them.

The chapters of the novel alternate between these two timelines. Josie and Alec develop a real friendship over the course of the novel as they continue to use the board to talk to each other. Josie also writes letters to Alec and hides them away for him to find in the future. They are delighted to learn they can also communicate through a phonograph. This friendship sustains them through the difficulties of their individual lives.

While most children love a good ghost story, some may be frightened by the paranormal elements of the book. The book includes other material that may not be appropriate for all children, such as disturbing descriptions of cruelty and abuse of the two girls, Josie and Cassie. There is also a gruesome scene where an exotic bird is found dead.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

My name is Josie, and I've been using a Ouija board to communicate with a boy named Alec who lives in my house, one hundred years in the future! I found it hard to believe at first, but he's shared information that proves he's real. My mother makes a living by communicating with spirits, but I wouldn't tell her about Alec. She's never been very loving, but her behavior is disturbing. She hit my little sister Cassie, locked her in a closet, and fired our tutor! Somehow, she found out about Alec and has forbidden me from talking to him. She wants to gain power and respect in society by taking credit for his information about the future. I wish I could someday meet Alec and escape this house, but can never be. He's given me ideas, but I am the only one who can save my future.


I found this book on Net Galley, and I enjoyed how the author slowly developed the conflict and suspense. It started as innocent curiosity between children from different eras but became a more serious tale of a powerful mother's domineering control of her home. The story used alternating chapters to share the events in the lives of Alec and Josie. Josie and Cassie were treated like prisoners, as they were often punished by being confined to their room and denied meals. Alec became obsessed with Josie and her problems and offered all the help he could from his world in 2016. Luckily, he had a friend named Danny to support him in his efforts. Alec's mom chalked up his strange behavior to her impending divorce, but she reluctantly had to accept the reality of the magic between her son and Josie. I normally read more adventurous and mysterious stories, but this one had me totally engaged. Perhaps it's my past experiences in working with young people, but I was very sympathetic to Josie's issues and Alec's attempts to help. The author and characters needed to balance the paradox of using knowledge of the future to affect those same events. It presented an intriguing conflict. Overall, this book was an emotional adventure of young people striving to make the most of their lives.

I was thrilled when I was approved to read this book that I had requested from Netgalley. It's a Wwonderful story, that surpasses its target audience of Middle School readers. A story of a friendship between two sisters, Josie and Cassie, and the boy in the future, Alec. It was sweet watching the friendship, trust and loyalty develop as the children communicated to each other over time.

The concern expressed by Alec for his friends was wonderful and meaningful, especially in this day and age, and with his family's looming divorce. The girl's mother was definitely a villain, who today would not have the same unending privileges as she once did.
I loved the tie in with the women's movement and the start of child abuse laws. I was very satisfied, yet sad, to see the story end. However, the author did a wonderful job tying up all the loose ends.

I completely recommend this book to readers of all ages and would like to thank *Netgalley/the publisher/the author for the opportunity to read this book and exchange for a fair and honest review".

This was a gobble-down book for me, read all in one session. It's 2:30 am and I just finished it, never for a moment was I bored enough to get sleepy. It may have been intended as a young adult novel, but the story transcends age. And yet, it's impossible to describe. One of my favorite authors, Diana Galbaldan, was once told her novels would have to be sold through word of mouth, because no review or publicity campaign could ever adequately convey how wonderful they are, or even what genre they fall into. Camille DeAngelis is in that rare category. The Boy From Tomorrow is a historical, fantasy, time-travel, coming-of-age, family relationship story. Yet nothing in it is anything like what Gabaldan (or anybody else) writes. Unique. Spellbinding. Trust me, you'll love it.

This story becomes interesting because the way the author stringing flashes of time. It could also make me want to get involved with time travel, if possible? Usually I see time travel only in movies only. But now reading the adventures of Alec in time travel, makes the reader feel drifting in the story. Especially when Alec and Josie also feel lonely. And the story is worth reading and very entertaining. #TheBoyFromTomorrow #NetGalley . Full review please chek at : http://meandthebooks.com/review-the-boy-from-tomorrow-by-camille-deangelis-time-travel-story/

A fun middle grade story about Josie, 1915, and Alec, 2015, who find themselves connected over the years through their home. A well constructed and enjoyable read.

The Boy from Tomorrow is a story of two children who communicate across time. At first, Josie and Alec use the Ouija board, but soon progress to leaving letters in a secret hiding place. Her mother is a celebrated medium who withholds love and controls Josie’s life. With Alex’s help, she learns enough to eventually flee from her mother’s abuse and affect a change that impacts Alec as well. I found this novel gripping in parts and worth reading.

I got to read an excerpt of this novel in the Spring Buzz Books. I was so intrigued with Alex and Josie’s story, that I asked for the full version. I was not disappointed.
This was a very unique and new story that spanned a hundred years between characters. Although they covered many topics dealt with in other books, it was the way they were handled and discussed with such a light hand that made the difference. I liked the way that the communication between the times was presented, both as the spirit board and the phonograph. The dialogues were great and provided so much insight into each of the characters.
DeAngelis’ characters were very well rounded and complete. They had great humor and were full of emotions. I do feel that, at times, Alec’s knowledge and demeanor was much older than his twelve years, yet this did not take away too much for me.
The language in the book was often much younger than a normal middle grade book. It seemed very simple and childish at times. This could make it great for an earlier reader, yet could take away from the more seasoned middle school reader. Either way, it was not enough for me to be taken out of the story by, it just didn’t seem to fit right.
My one major complaint about the book was the ending. I had been so caught up in the story and loved the interactions that Alec, Josie, and Cassie shared that I did not want to see it end, though I knew it had to. The ending that was presented was simply unfinished though. I liked that we got to see Alec’s progression into an adult and what he did to remain connected to the past. I didn’t like that we were left we no real closure on his journey or, more literally, Josie’s letter. I just wanted a little bit more.
In the end, these not game changing features when it came to enjoying the book. This is one that I may read again in a few years and that I feel will check out regularly at the library. Very interesting concept and read.

Currently, if asked to describe this book, my eyes would just sort of roll back in my head and I would go “ugh this book!” and you would be like “uh Patricia is that good or … ?” and I would look at you and my jaw would sort of uncomfortably shift to one side and you’d ask me if I’m okay and I would say, “read this book.” Anyway, that is how I feel about The Boy From Tomorrow.

How I’d Describe This Book to a Friend
I am still trying to figure out how to explain this one without giving too much away, and because I am still processing My Feelings™ I am not 100% sure I even can! I will try. Let’s try.

The Boy From Tomorrow is a middle grade book that ignites hope all of us have deep inside that still burns reverently that there is still some magic in this world. It explores the possibility of connections across decades, between people who will never meet. And yes, I repeat: this is a book for children. Because we often underestimate a kid’s capacity for “big” stories like this – definitely don’t.

It’s 2015. Alec moves into an old, run-down house that “has potential,” as some guy on HGTV with a bushy beard would say. His mom is recovering from a recent messy divorce and Alec is feeling all sorts of things – he is 12 years old, and that’s just the sort of thing that happens. He explores the old, creaking house, and discovers a Ouija board. With two of his new neighbor friends, Alec sets off to talk to a ghost, because that’s what a 12 year old does with a Ouija board, and frankly so would I at 28.

Only problem is, someone answers. And it’s not what you would expect.

It’s 1915. Josie is 12 years old, and lives in the self-same house. She has a little sister named Cass, a beloved tutor named Emily, and their abusive mother, a psychic spiritualist who often has people over to her parlor to read their futures. One evening, Josie reaches for her mother’s spirit board, and connects with Alec, 100 years in the future.

When they discover that they aren’t talking to ghosts, but to actual living, breathing humans, they start to experiment. And both their worlds will never be the same.

Bottom Line
I absolutely adored this book. At under 300 pages, I still felt like each character was a friend of mine – sweet, gentle Alec, determined Josie, stubborn Cass. I hated Josie and Cass’s mother right along with them, begging her mentally to quit being a terrible person. I felt aligned with Alec’s mom, understanding how hard it is to rebuild from the ground up when you expected your way of life would last forever. I felt terrified whenever Cass would talk through her creepy doll, Mrs. Gubbins – seriously, Mrs. G is the reason I had to turn my lights on one night. May I reiterate that I am almost 29 years old and a grown adult? Okay, just checking.

This being a middle grade book is one of the best things that could have happened to it. Were this a YA book, about halfway through, Josie and Alec would fall in love and somehow find some way to transcend time and space and be together in 3D as real-live, beating-heart people. This – sorry to spoil your hopes and dreams – does not happen. Because Ms. DeAngelis is realistic with her Ouija board time travel stories, damn it. But I digress. There is no unnecessary romance, no long two-page description of the sunlight rippling in Josie’s hair. This is two 12 year olds who are growing up 100 years apart, in two very distinctly different ways, and I love both of them very much. Trust that you will not be disappointed, and read this book.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley and the publisher.

Josie Clifford didn’t really have any friends. It was hard being the daughter of a mother who did “readings” for a living. Believers came to their house so that Mrs. Clifford could talk to their dead relatives. All of the children in town were either afraid of Josie and her younger sister Cassie or made fun of them because of their mother.

Alec Frost had to find some new friends. His parents divorced and now he and his mother moved to a very old house in a new town to start a new beginning. Unlike Josie, Alec did find a few friends and he also found a “talking board” secreted away in his new home. Similar to Ouija Boards, it was used in the early 1900’s to communicate with the dead.

When Alec and his friends started playing around with the board, they found it was more than a game. Somehow it was allowing them to communicate with Josie and Cass, residents of Alec’s new house a century ago. Alec now slept in the bedroom once occupied by the girls and their beloved Nanny and teacher, Emily.

When Mrs. Clifford found out what her daughters were doing she was furious. Unfortunately, the cruel and conniving Mrs. Clifford found a way to use her children and Alec for her own gain by having him tell her about events in the future. When life became more and more dangerous for the girls, could Alec figure out a way to save them even though they exist 100 years apart?

This fast paced children’s book is sure to become a classic. The intricate story draws the reader in making it impossible to put down. It is written for middle grade children but as an adult I quite enjoyed it.

The artful switching from the girls’ point of view to the present time point of view of Alec and his friends pulls the reader into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I have to admit that I sniffled more than once. It is impossible not to get emotionally attached to Alec, Josie and Cassie.

The ending of this book was magnificent. It tied up all of the loose ends. It is important to not leave things hanging in books such as these, and The Boy from Tomorrow did not disappoint.

Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman

A remarkable story told in a fresh way. Josie and Cass, young daughters of an early 20th Century Spiritualist, use their talking board to contact the spirit world. One hundred years later Alec lives in the very same house, finds the very same talking board, and strikes up an impossible friendship. Separated by an chasm of time bridgeable only by mysterious technologies, a powerful friendship builds and these young people do what friends do: help with big problems. I really got sucked into this book. It's lively, careful, and honest. It's true in a way only a book about spiritualism, terrible parents, good friends, and hope for the future can be. This is a great new book, and should make its way into lots of homes and classrooms.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I know that this novel was written with a younger audience in mind, but the story was absolutely wonderful and I would also recommend it to adult readers in a heartbeat. I loved the intricately woven tale that encompassed an amazingly wide range of genres and themes; everything from the darker thriller, suspense, superstitious, betrayal, and abuse, to the lighter empowering, magical, friendship, romance, and adventure - all of which are counterbalanced between history and the present. The beautiful voices and spirits of Camille DeAngelis’ characters will undoubtedly resound with all readers past the last page.

This book is another fun Freaky Friday/ time travel story. Alec and Josie live in the same house 100 years apart in time (1915 and 2015). They connect using a toy Ouji board. I'm a fan of magical sci-fi mysteries, so this was right up my alley. It was just suspenseful enough and not at all predictable plot wise which is always great in a middle-grade novel.

I didn't have time to read this aloud before writing the review, but I'm looking forward to sharing it with my kids.

A fantastic concept that brings history to life.

More in a feature on my YA blog in May.

https://nataliaheaney.wordpress.com

Josie lives in a big house with her little sister and her psychic mother in 1915. Alec lives in a big house with his mother in 2015. It is the same house. Using a talking board (ouija board) Josie and Alec communicate with each other and become friends. Josie and her sister are not treated well. Alec does some research to save them. This book reminds me of old time travel stories from the last century, full of atmosphere and mystery.

Did not finish. The idea sounded interesting, but I did not like the use of a ouija board by young children.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Boy From Tomorrow is an engrossing story about a boy from the present (Alec), and two girls from the past (Josie and Cass). This is the story of their young lives, and friendships and personal struggles. It tackles hard topics like parental divorce and abuse.

As a child, I would have absolutely DEVOURED The Boy From Tomorrow. As an adult, literally my only complaint about the entire book is this: As the children in this book communicated through a Ouija board, they went back and forth in complete sentences. In spite of the fact that it would have had to take place one letter at a time.
Otherwise, this book was fabulous.

Honestly, it kept me guessing. I was not sure what the fates of Cass and Josie would be. I've always loved stories that take place in two different time periods, so this would have been a must read for me as a child. It was really fun to watch these friendships develop and see what the children would come up with to stay in touch and help each other.

I would absolutely recommend this to young readers.