Maiya Williams served as an editor of the Harvard Lampoon and now writes for television, including such current and former shows as The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, The Wayans Brothers, and Rugrats. She lives in Pacific Palisades, California. This is her first book.
Gr 5-8-When Rowan and Nina Popplewell's father sends them to spend the summer with their deceased mother's aunts in Maine, adventures and excitement follow. With their new friends Xanthe and Xavier, they explore the secrets surrounding the town and the abandoned Owatannauk resort, which comes to life and offers time-travel opportunity during the magical "golden hour," defined as "the short period of time between day and night." When Nina disappears, Rowan and the twins assume she went to France and find themselves in 1789 Paris. Rowan and the twins explore different levels of society on the eve of the French Revolution, which allows them to encounter everyone from Marie Antoinette to street beggars. As the friends travel from palaces to prisons in search of Nina, Rowan realizes that he needs to find the self he has lost to grief and anger about his mother's death as well as his missing sister. A surprising conclusion reunites the siblings and leaves room for further visits to the Owatannauk. Rowan's self-doubt makes him an appealing and realistic character, and supporting characters, including the two eccentric aunts, are well-drawn. The fast-paced plot and smooth transition from everyday life to fantasy adventure make this a good choice for reluctant readers. An author's note separating historical fact from fiction and including Williams's sources may motivate readers to learn more about the French Revolution.-Beth L. Meister, Yeshiva of Central Queens, Flushing, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Mad TV writer Williams makes her children's book debut with this entertaining novel about a pair of siblings who go back in time. Thirteen-year-old Rowan and 11-year-old Nina have been sent to stay with their eccentric great-aunts in Maine after their mother is killed by a drunk driver. The elderly sisters run a small curiosity shop, stocked to the hilt with unusual items; among them, Nina (a prodigy pianist) discovers an original Beethoven composition that the world has never seen. Soon Rowan and Nina befriend twins, a boy and girl who introduce them to the town's old hotel. Rowan's great-aunt warns him away from the place, citing strange occurrences and referring to the hotel as a "portal." Of course, the four young people enter the hotel (which is accessible only during "the golden hour" just before sunset and "the silver hour" at sunrise) and come upon the "alleviator," an elevator of sorts that will transport them to any year and locale they choose-but only for seven days. When Nina turns up missing, Rowan suspects her destination and soon the other three are on their way to Paris in 1789. The plot grows rather murky as the children take different places within French society just before Bastille Day. But readers may well enjoy the spirited adventure that follows, culminating in a predictable but touching finale (involving Nina and her mother). Action-packed and laden with good-natured humor, Williams's tale is a journey worth taking. Ages 9-14. (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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