(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Greg Call. Ruthie and Jack learn more about the time-travel magic of the Art Institute of Chicago's miniature Thorne Rooms, including the dangers involved. Though some trips in this series-ender give new insights, including the whereabouts--or whenabouts--of a long-missing museum visitor, other trips' apparent purpose is to include as many rooms as possible. The black-and-white illustrations preserve the series' cheery innocence.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Greg Call. Sixth graders Jack and Ruthie, able to shrink and use the Art Institute of Chicago's miniature Thorne Rooms as time portals, clear a friend's family name with evidence from her slave ancestor and almost negate Jack's existence through an encounter with his pirate ancestor. Full of coincidences and sweet resolutions, this series continues to provide adventure for readers unready for more intense scenarios.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Greg Call. In this sequel, Ruthie and Jack use the Thorne Rooms to time-travel for commendable purposes, like convincing a Jewish family to leave Europe before the Holocaust. But the sixth graders must stop an art thief with selfish designs on the rooms. Innocent in tone, this return to a magical Art Institute of Chicago combines a kid-empowering mystery with glimpses into history.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Greg Call. During a field trip, Jack and Ruthie find a key at the Art Institute of Chicago that lets them shrink and enter the worlds of the miniature Thorne Rooms. Accessible prose and shadowy illustrations depict the best friends sneaking in and out of history, affecting lives both past and present. Thin plot or not, this original adventure is alluring, filled with magic and mystery.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax