Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween travels through time in fun tale with lots of twists.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When THE RHYTHM OF TIME begins, 12-year-old Rahim, an African American boy living in Philadelphia, is chafing under his fathers' refusal to let him have a computer and mobile phone. His best friend, Kasia, a computer whiz, makes him a mobile phone that doesn't need a service carrier because it taps into government airwaves. He soon discovers the phone has very unusual features: transporting him not only through space but also through time.
Is It Any Good?
Full of twists and humor, this thrilling time travel story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and sweet, and may attract even reluctant readers. The Rhythm of Time, by musician, producer, Academy Award-wining filmmaker, and bestselling author Questlove and S.A. Cosby, brings us a tight pair of friends and two sets of loving, out-of-the-ordinary parents who support their children's individuality. The ending hints that there will be a sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of how choices shape the future in The Rhythm of Time. What's an important choice you'll need to make this year? What can you do to make a good decision?
How is your family different from your friends' families?
If you could travel in time, where would you go?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : STEM , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking; Penguin Random House LLC
- Publication date : April 18, 2023
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate