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Texting Through Time
Texting Through Time: A Trek with Brigham Young
When 12-year-old Micah borrows his father's experimental time-travel phone, his hopes for seeing the future are dashed as he and his sister, Alicia, end up trapped in the past at Brigham Young s boyhood home. This book is a fun way for kids and adults to dive into Church history and learn that no matter what time period you are in, God is still aware of you.
- GenresChildrens
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Christy Monson
15 books67 followersChristy Monson has a B.S. degree in Child Development and Psychology from Utah State University, and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy from University of Nevada at Las Vegas. She established a successful counseling practice in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been married 50 years and raised six children who are all college graduates. She loves to write and enjoys adding positive energy to the world.
Books
Love, Hugs, and Hope, When Scary Things Happen
Becoming Free, A Woman's Guide To Internal Strength
Family Talk: How to Organize Family Meetings to Solve Problems and Strengthen Family Relationships
Social Media
Her articles have been published on the web at Familius, Gospel Ideals, Paper and Parchment, and ANWA, Changing Behavior Digest, and Chic Galleria.
Her blog address is: http://christymonson.blogspot.com/
Her websites are: http://www.christymonson.com/index.html
Twitter: @Christy Monson
Pinterest: Christy Monson
Like her author page: http://www.facebook.com/christymonson...
Books
Love, Hugs, and Hope, When Scary Things Happen
Becoming Free, A Woman's Guide To Internal Strength
Family Talk: How to Organize Family Meetings to Solve Problems and Strengthen Family Relationships
Social Media
Her articles have been published on the web at Familius, Gospel Ideals, Paper and Parchment, and ANWA, Changing Behavior Digest, and Chic Galleria.
Her blog address is: http://christymonson.blogspot.com/
Her websites are: http://www.christymonson.com/index.html
Twitter: @Christy Monson
Pinterest: Christy Monson
Like her author page: http://www.facebook.com/christymonson...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 30, 2014
When I first requested Texting Through Time, I was under the impression that it was a Christian middle grade novel. If I would have paid more attention to the synopsis, I would have realized that was partially right. The novel is actually a Mormon (or LDS) middle grade novel. Mormonism is a specific type o Christianity. One that I have absolutely no experience with.
Just to be clear, it my fault that I didn't pay closer attention the synopsis. It is not the author's fault at all. However, because I didn't realize what the book was about until I started reading it, I didn't really enjoy it. I have absolutely no knowledge of Mormon culture. I had no idea who the people were that Alicia and Micah were following. There were a lot of references to things that happen in Mormon culture that went over my head. In general, the book left me more confused than anything else.
That being said, Christy Monson is a great writer. Her words flowed eloquently off the page. The plot made me feel nostalgic. It reminded me of a Rugrats book that I loved as a kid when I first learned how to read. In the Rugrats book, the babies went back in time to help George Washington, another important historical figure. If Christy Monson ever writes a non-LDS book, I will be first in line to buy it. Sadly, from this experience, I have learned that LDS books are not for me.
Just to be clear, it my fault that I didn't pay closer attention the synopsis. It is not the author's fault at all. However, because I didn't realize what the book was about until I started reading it, I didn't really enjoy it. I have absolutely no knowledge of Mormon culture. I had no idea who the people were that Alicia and Micah were following. There were a lot of references to things that happen in Mormon culture that went over my head. In general, the book left me more confused than anything else.
That being said, Christy Monson is a great writer. Her words flowed eloquently off the page. The plot made me feel nostalgic. It reminded me of a Rugrats book that I loved as a kid when I first learned how to read. In the Rugrats book, the babies went back in time to help George Washington, another important historical figure. If Christy Monson ever writes a non-LDS book, I will be first in line to buy it. Sadly, from this experience, I have learned that LDS books are not for me.
October 31, 2011
This book brings LDS Church History to life in a fun and unique way that kids can relate to. There is a ton of historical information shared about the life of Brigham Young and how children lived during the time of his life. I love how the siblings connect with the prophet in a personal and spiritual way. Brigham Young becomes a real person in their minds and in my mind. Even though this is not a book written for adults, I still feel that I learned a lot about the prophet's life. Definitely one of my new favorite authors!!
November 24, 2011
First let me just say I am not Mormon. But that didn't stop me from appreciating this book, it was really nice.
It follows Micah and his sister Alicia through time, after they mess with their dads experimental phone and are sent back to the time of Brigham Young. I found the book very informative, both about the man and the religion that he was such an influential figure in. The children first meet Brigham when he is a young boy and subsequently follow him through his life. Along the way they learn lessons about themselves and their own personal faith in God.
The only part I didn't like so much with the story was when the kids were given choices as to which event in Brigham's life they were going to next. I only didn't like it so much because there were choices given that weren't chosen and I would have liked to find out more about them...
I know, I know I can always look it up on my own! But I guess, even though I didn't like that part, it is still a good thing that it made me interested in finding out more about Brigham Young, right? The book has a section in the back that "translates" the journal entry texts of the two children. Since the phone puts them into shortened text lingo. It also has discussion questions in the back that kids and adults can go over together.
This book is cute and fun as well as educational. Just because the book is based on Mormon religion, it still does teach good lessons that even non-Mormon children could appreciate, such as hard work, faith, kindness.
I'd like to end this review with one of my favorite lines from the book. It is when Brigham is explaining to the children why he is nice to the Indians. He says:
"Some of them may join the Church and some may not.... I want to be nice to them no matter what. Many of them don't want to change...that's fine with me. I just want to live in peace."
No matter what your religious views this is a sentiment everyone should be able to get behind.
****In compliance with FTC guidelines, I'm disclosing that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.****
(I recommend everybody should go check out all the awesome first read giveaways they have!)
It follows Micah and his sister Alicia through time, after they mess with their dads experimental phone and are sent back to the time of Brigham Young. I found the book very informative, both about the man and the religion that he was such an influential figure in. The children first meet Brigham when he is a young boy and subsequently follow him through his life. Along the way they learn lessons about themselves and their own personal faith in God.
The only part I didn't like so much with the story was when the kids were given choices as to which event in Brigham's life they were going to next. I only didn't like it so much because there were choices given that weren't chosen and I would have liked to find out more about them...
I know, I know I can always look it up on my own! But I guess, even though I didn't like that part, it is still a good thing that it made me interested in finding out more about Brigham Young, right? The book has a section in the back that "translates" the journal entry texts of the two children. Since the phone puts them into shortened text lingo. It also has discussion questions in the back that kids and adults can go over together.
This book is cute and fun as well as educational. Just because the book is based on Mormon religion, it still does teach good lessons that even non-Mormon children could appreciate, such as hard work, faith, kindness.
I'd like to end this review with one of my favorite lines from the book. It is when Brigham is explaining to the children why he is nice to the Indians. He says:
"Some of them may join the Church and some may not.... I want to be nice to them no matter what. Many of them don't want to change...that's fine with me. I just want to live in peace."
No matter what your religious views this is a sentiment everyone should be able to get behind.
****In compliance with FTC guidelines, I'm disclosing that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.****
(I recommend everybody should go check out all the awesome first read giveaways they have!)
December 9, 2011
I thought the title was catchy and has a modern twist to it. Since I don't text and haven't wanted to learn how; I came to realize the value of texting in our day.
As I began reading this delightful book; I first looked to see if the book drew me into the story. I can say that it did. I couldn't stop reading it. I recognized that the book was a wonderful story for pre-teen and teenagers but I enjoyed reading it so much that I think it is a great adult read too. It would be an awesome book to read to your grandchildren.
The plot was fun and had a great deal of adventure in it. I identified with the main characters Micah and Alicia. As a brother and sister close in age; I felt like they were typical of teenagers of yesterday and today. As a Grandmother I could just picture some of my grandchildren of this age group being just like them. There was just enough bantering between the two and yet there was a sweet bond there also. As the story progressed they were placed into different situations back in the time of Brigham Young. In each of these moments of time they were placed in a scene that helped them learn some very important lessons in life. At the end of each adventure they would text back to their phones the journal moments of that day.
I found the end to be endearing and even brought me to tears. I enjoyed their experiences with Brigham Young an others important characters of the restoration. I smiled at their reactions to meeting the Prophet Joseph Smith and sweet beautiful Emma. While reading it, I longed to live in their era just for the privilege of shaking the hands of the Prophets and to live in their presence and understand their experiences.
At the end there were some very edifying moments with lessons learned about the temple. Children reading this book will feel the spirit and learn good lessons of life.
I plan to purchase this book for my grandchildren in hopes that they too will learn from this fun book. In fact, I think it would make a great Children's Movie.
As I began reading this delightful book; I first looked to see if the book drew me into the story. I can say that it did. I couldn't stop reading it. I recognized that the book was a wonderful story for pre-teen and teenagers but I enjoyed reading it so much that I think it is a great adult read too. It would be an awesome book to read to your grandchildren.
The plot was fun and had a great deal of adventure in it. I identified with the main characters Micah and Alicia. As a brother and sister close in age; I felt like they were typical of teenagers of yesterday and today. As a Grandmother I could just picture some of my grandchildren of this age group being just like them. There was just enough bantering between the two and yet there was a sweet bond there also. As the story progressed they were placed into different situations back in the time of Brigham Young. In each of these moments of time they were placed in a scene that helped them learn some very important lessons in life. At the end of each adventure they would text back to their phones the journal moments of that day.
I found the end to be endearing and even brought me to tears. I enjoyed their experiences with Brigham Young an others important characters of the restoration. I smiled at their reactions to meeting the Prophet Joseph Smith and sweet beautiful Emma. While reading it, I longed to live in their era just for the privilege of shaking the hands of the Prophets and to live in their presence and understand their experiences.
At the end there were some very edifying moments with lessons learned about the temple. Children reading this book will feel the spirit and learn good lessons of life.
I plan to purchase this book for my grandchildren in hopes that they too will learn from this fun book. In fact, I think it would make a great Children's Movie.
January 18, 2012
Micah and Alicia have a very special phone. Actually the phone is their father's, and it will allow them to travel through time. They use the phone to travel into the past where they meet Brigham Young. They soon realize they are in over their heads as they don't know how the phone actually works. Jumping forward throughout Brigham Young's life, Micah and Alicia see some important parts in LDS church history. However, they are stuck in the past until they can figure out how to get back to their lives.
This was a very cute book. It is pretty simplistic in style, so it could easily be read by fairly young readers. It manages to tell an interesting story while teaching some very good lessons. I appreciate the fact that it can really help bring church history to life. There were even some moments that I didn't know about. It's the type of story that can keep kids' attention while still managing to help them learn. They may not even know they learned anything. Older readers may be surprised at how easily Brigham Young accepts the children's explanation of where they came from and how they got there, but I don't think that is a major issue. Overall I feel that this book is a fun way to learn about church history and a very unique concept.
Book provided for review.
This was a very cute book. It is pretty simplistic in style, so it could easily be read by fairly young readers. It manages to tell an interesting story while teaching some very good lessons. I appreciate the fact that it can really help bring church history to life. There were even some moments that I didn't know about. It's the type of story that can keep kids' attention while still managing to help them learn. They may not even know they learned anything. Older readers may be surprised at how easily Brigham Young accepts the children's explanation of where they came from and how they got there, but I don't think that is a major issue. Overall I feel that this book is a fun way to learn about church history and a very unique concept.
Book provided for review.
December 28, 2011
The concept of this book is definitely a fun one for Middle Grade readers. Micah and Alicia are playing with their dad's un-tested time-travel phone and wind up an the past, arriving on Brigham Young's 11th birthday. This begins an adventure for both Micah and Alicia, as they try to make their way back to the present. They learn much from the life of Brigham Young, popping in to his life at different times.
Through this all they learn that they really have it pretty easy, and they grow to rely on the Lord through their trials. In order to progress through time, they have to text their experience, thoughts, and feelings to their own phones. When they finally return home, they find their texted journals and can revisit what they learned along the way.
This book would be great for younger readers. I will definitely be passing it on to my daughter to read (she turns 12 in February). I like how it puts a fun spin on the technology that kids know today while teaching them about the past.
Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of Texting Through Time in order to write this honest review. No further compensation was received.
Through this all they learn that they really have it pretty easy, and they grow to rely on the Lord through their trials. In order to progress through time, they have to text their experience, thoughts, and feelings to their own phones. When they finally return home, they find their texted journals and can revisit what they learned along the way.
This book would be great for younger readers. I will definitely be passing it on to my daughter to read (she turns 12 in February). I like how it puts a fun spin on the technology that kids know today while teaching them about the past.
Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of Texting Through Time in order to write this honest review. No further compensation was received.
December 7, 2011
This may be 3.5 stars really from me.
This is a sweet tale for the middle grade reader.
Micah and Alicia are siblings. Micah has "borrowed" his fathers experimental time machine phone. Micah wants to use it to go to the future and talks his sister into joining him.
Remember, the phone is experimental. Rather than going into the future, it malfunctions taking them into the past. The end up in the early 1800's. They meet the Mormon Prophet, Brigham Young, on his 11th birthday. Of course, he isn't a prophet quite yet.
In their efforts to go home, they jump to different points of Brigham's life. They learn to appreciate work and the life that they have at home. They even learn to appreciate their parents. I think I may strongly suggest that my kids read this book. :)
This is a sweet tale for the middle grade reader.
Micah and Alicia are siblings. Micah has "borrowed" his fathers experimental time machine phone. Micah wants to use it to go to the future and talks his sister into joining him.
Remember, the phone is experimental. Rather than going into the future, it malfunctions taking them into the past. The end up in the early 1800's. They meet the Mormon Prophet, Brigham Young, on his 11th birthday. Of course, he isn't a prophet quite yet.
In their efforts to go home, they jump to different points of Brigham's life. They learn to appreciate work and the life that they have at home. They even learn to appreciate their parents. I think I may strongly suggest that my kids read this book. :)
December 8, 2011
What a great little book! Kids will love learning about Brigham Young's time through this adventure...especially about when he was a child himself. Middle-graders will get sucked right into the story, with its believable dialogue and charming illustrations. It's just the right length, too.
The thing I believe is unique about this book is that kids can learn a little history without getting bored or put off by old-fashioned, scholarly language. The modern kid protagonists give the young readers something to relate to. This way, kids can easily imagine themselves on an adventure just like this. Highly recommended.
The thing I believe is unique about this book is that kids can learn a little history without getting bored or put off by old-fashioned, scholarly language. The modern kid protagonists give the young readers something to relate to. This way, kids can easily imagine themselves on an adventure just like this. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2012
As parents, we are always safeguarding our children. We want them to be able to enjoy movies and books, but only the BEST kind.
That's what I love about Christy Monson's new book, "Texting Through Time: A Trek With Brigham Young"
Children will find it entertaining and parents can feel good knowing that not only is their child reading something wholesome, their learning about Prophets at the same time!
That's what I love about Christy Monson's new book, "Texting Through Time: A Trek With Brigham Young"
Children will find it entertaining and parents can feel good knowing that not only is their child reading something wholesome, their learning about Prophets at the same time!
September 21, 2012
this was a cute, quick read. geared for children to middle school age probably. a brother and sister use their dad's "time machine" type phone and go back in time and meet Brigham Young. Their adventure takes them through various times in Brigham's life until they make their way back home. I enjoyed this little book.
May 28, 2012
A great book, especially for youth. I can even see it catching the attention of youth who are not usually interested in reading. It's simple, engaging, and teaches several valuable lessons through the perspective of a 12yr-old boy and a 11yr-old girl.
August 4, 2012
Great for MG readers but interesting to me as well. Fun way to learn a little history and garner faith with modern technology. Monson was able to show character development while jumping around through time - not an easy task.
September 21, 2012
I really like how Christy Monson brought Brigham Young back to life, and how these modern kids, wanting to go to the future and instead going into the life of one of our prophets. It's a fiction book and an informational book too. It's a fiction book worth waiting for.
September 2, 2013
This was fun to read out loud with my children. They had a chance to meet Christy and were spoiled rotten. (They loved it.)
My kids liked the birthday part, and were surprised how much our parties are alike and how different parties are today.
We look forward to her next book.
My kids liked the birthday part, and were surprised how much our parties are alike and how different parties are today.
We look forward to her next book.
December 8, 2011
This is a great book for young readers. It combines technology with history and is great for all the family!
February 3, 2012
I won this from goodreads.com
April 10, 2012
My sister got this for her birthday and when she went to bed I read it. It's really short and a quick read, less than a hour for me. But a cute enjoyable middle-grade story anyway.
December 20, 2011
Great book! Read my full review here: http://heyyouslackers.blogspot.com/20...
March 13, 2015
Really cute book
March 30, 2015
Good juvenile read. Enjoyed it.
Want to read
November 19, 2011I won this book from the first reads giveaways and I am so excited to read it. Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews