The Left Behinds series so far contains two different historical fiction novels with time travel adventures in which preteens must save the day. In The iPhone that Saved George Washington, three kids travel to 1776 to discover that George Washington has been shot. Can they reverse this alternate history before history is changed forever? In Abe Lincoln and the Selfie that Saved the Union, the same kids must stop a change in the Battle of Gettysburg. Will they be quick enough?

The iPhone that Saved George Washington

In the first of The Left Behinds, we meet the three teenagers who are the “left behinds.” They are called “left behinds” because, during the Christmas holiday, only those three remain at the boarding school for the holiday. Unbeknownst to them, when they fiddle with the computer in the back room, they add a new app to their iPhones. Before they know it, they are transported back in time, standing over George Washington’s dead body.

The intrigue in this was fantastic. I loved how Mel’s quick wits were required. He determined how to get to the right moment in time, convince the historical figures that he knew the future, and help figure out a way to get the three kids back to the modern day. Let me just say: Mel’s phone was almost out of power, and there are not many outlets in 1776. I cheered as the kids succeeded and laughed over the image of these modern kids stuck amongst those of 1776.

Abe Lincoln and the Selfie that Saved the Union

In the second Left Behinds book, the children end up in Washington D.C. shortly before the battle of Gettysburg. As the title suggests, they meet Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad, who is quite a character.

This book likewise had an urgency about it, so I wanted to keep reading. That said, I was disappointed that the iPhone and the selfie were not more integral to this story. Nevertheless, Mel once again is the hero as he hurries to Gettysburg to try to stop history from being changed. This would be a perfect book for Gettysburg buffs. Or, it may prompt an interest in the battle for those who were not previously interested.

The books are lots of fun. I love time travel books. I liked how The Left Behinds series changed history so dramatically. Reading one of these books may help the reader consider what would happen if history had been different. These would be perfect for kids who like quirky historical fiction or fantasy and for those who are studying American history.

Note: I received a digital copy of Abe Lincoln and the Selfie that Saved the Nation for review consideration.