The Time Pedaler

By: Micheal Maxwell, Tally Scully

Narrated by: Drew Brown

Climb aboard a time machine to the far edges of history and see what really happened!

The Time Pedaler series brings to life a new kind of teen hero, Chant Baker, a typical kid who makes a very extraordinary discovery, a time machine. In book one of the Time Pedaler series, a cleaning trip to the basement of his parent's new store leads Chant to a discovery that will change his life forever and take him on incredible and amazing adventures back in time! Along the way he meets a surprise cast of historical figures, and everyday people who just happen to live several hundred years ago.

©2014 Micheal Maxwell (P)2016 Micheal Maxwell

Well Performed, Fun Story

What made the experience of listening to The Time Pedaler the most enjoyable?

I listen to audio books constantly and I was quite impressed by the talent of the voice actor who read the story. For me, the quality of the reading can make a huge difference in how much I enjoy a book. They are setting the tone, engaging the listener, building excitement, and creating the characters in my mind.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how Chant was curious and adventurous, and open to learning from his experiences. I think that sets a good example for young teens.

Which character – as performed by Drew Brown – was your favorite?

I really enjoyed his portrayal of Robert E. Lee's assistant/cook, William.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I traveled for work, and this book was just the right length for my trip.

Middle Grade Time Travel

Summary: Chant Baker finds and old time machine in the basement of his parents’ shop. He uses it to visit a few key spots in history and solve a small mystery.

Additional Comments:
- It’s middle grade appropriate.
- I’m not big on time travel books in general because logic always messes with my head. They tried to address the issue of clothes a few times, but it just seemed like everywhere Chant went initially, people were very friendly and totally accepting of the fact that he appeared out of nowhere. I can see his clothes blending in well enough in the 1960’s but 1860’s?
- His family’s perfect, but that’s cool. The fact that a perfect nuclear family strikes me as abnormal is probably just a sad commentary on the state of the modern world.
- The places Chant chooses to visit do follow a certain logic, which I appreciate. (Mostly, they’re places he wants to study for history or English class.) I enjoyed the fact that he didn’t get a perfect grade even though he’d traveled back in time and witnessed the event in person because history isn’t always remembered perfectly.
- There wasn’t a real sense of danger, but that might come from the general middle grade feel than something in the plot. Probably don’t want a story like this to come across as too scary anyway.
- I hear the audio version, which was very good.
- Fun, unique premise that’s well-executed (in audio format anyway)

Conclusion: If middle grade time travel’s something you enjoy, Chant won’t disappoint you.

Bicycling to the Past

•audiobook• 3.25

This was a good YA adventure book. Listening to the book, it seemed like some of the chapters started in present tense then switched to past tense, although we are following Chant as he journeys.

I think it drags a bit and has more telling than showing, which caused my continuous stopping and restarting.

It felt more juvenile than I’d expect from a 15 year old protagonist.

I liked that Chant wanted to visit his grandfather, who he has never met, yet, it’s odd that he uses his real name - and even meets his mom, when she was a teenager.

I didn’t find a climax, which indicates this is “just a story”.

There are far worse out there, so for an Indie book, it’s better than most.

I enjoyed the narrator.

excellent book

if you can get past the performer, it's a great book. He reads like a 3rd grader and pauses at every coma.

Chance is the new kid who doesn't fit in. He finds the time machine in the basement of his new home and "the rest is history " I love his adventures and wish I had a way to travel back in time and meet history.

Great story

I was definitely interested in the story line and went through this book in one day. Authors did a remarkable job on the story and various history in this boys travels.

Delightful tale for all ages

If you could sum up The Time Pedaler in three words, what would they be?

Imaginative, respectful, educational

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Chant, is a great example for youth: inquisitive, respectful, and diligent. The Time Pedaler does a nice job of demonstrating respect for diverse cultures, the importance of hard work, and even old-fashioned values like being polite. And it does so without being heavy-handed. Drop in some history lessons and a bit of a thread to tie them all together, and this was an enjoyable listen for me and my 9 year old both.

Have you listened to any of Drew Brown’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the only performance of Drew Brown's I've listened to, but I found it consistent and easy to follow along with. Slight accent shifts with different characters was done well. Voice and style fit with the character and context.

Easy, smooth listening

Found myself fully engaged very quickly. It was a delight to just sit back and listen!! Well done.