On the Run in Ancient China

It's the tantalizing smell of Chinese food that's enticed the Binkerton children back into the creepy Good Times Travel Agency. Sure, the fried noodles are delicious, but then the shop owner pulls another one of his mysterious guidebooks off his shelf and before they can stop him, he's sent the children hurtling back in time once again. This time they land in first-century China, where little Libby quickly manages to slip away from Josh and Emma in an official carriage headed to the capital city. But while she's living the ancient China high life with nobility, the twins get mistaken for barbarian spies and soon they're being chased by imperial guards! Will the twins manage to find Libby, and their way back home, before the guards catch up to them?

This graphic novel from the critically acclaimed time-travel series by award-winning duo Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin offers a fun read with a terrific historical overview of ancient China. Bailey's fast-paced narrative is quirky and funny. The fun device of featuring excerpts from an engagingly-written guidebook on every page keeps the key historical facts and figures easy to digest. Slavin's detailed and humorous illustrations are pitch perfect for the story. Thoroughly researched, this book would be an excellent companion to social studies and history lessons, encompassing politics and government, philosophy, science and technology, travel and trade, civic rights and responsibilities, community and traditions. The back matter includes an index, further resources and six pages of additional information about ancient China.