The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: The Rhythm of Time, Questlove

The Rhythm of Time

Questlove

The spectacular first entry in a middle-grade sci-fi trilogy by six-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Academy Award-winning filmmaker, and New York Times-bestselling author Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and New York Times-bestselling author S. A. Cosby.

It's not easy being a teenager, and it's no different for Rahim, who is trying to balance everything in his busy Philly life: school, parents, bullies, his secret hopes of becoming a hip-hop star, and the constant schemes of his brilliant best friend, Kasia. When Kasia invents a new kind of cell phone that is also a time machine, it sends Rahim into the past, where he must outmaneuver a secretive government agency without altering history's delicate balance.

This electrifying book puts Rahim and Kasia at the center of an ever-widening mystery that will illuminate their own pasts (and futures) and test their friendship. Dynamic and richly written, with crisp commercial prose and charming interior illustrations, The Rhythm of Time is an infinitely readable sci-fi adventure that is sure to delight younger readers.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Square Fish
  • Publish Date: Jan 13rd, 2026
  • Pages: 240
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 7.62in - 5.12in - 1.00in - 1.00lb
  • EAN: 9781250390899
  • Recommended age: 08-12
  • Categories: Science Fiction - Time TravelAfrican American & BlackSocial Themes - Friendship

About the Author

Questlove: - Questlove is an Academy Award‒winning and EMMY-nominated filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and as co-founder of the Roots, the unmistakable heartbeat of Philadelphia's most influential hip-hop group. He is the musical director for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the Roots serves as the house band. Questlove made his directorial debut with the Academy Award‒winning feature documentary Summer of Soul. He has written multiple books, including the New York Times bestsellers Mo' Meta Blues, Creative Quest, Music Is History, Hip Hop is History, his picture book The Idea In You, and his first children's book, The Rhythm of Time. He is the publisher of AUWA Books, an imprint of MCD / Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Instagram @Questlove
Cosby, S. a.: - S. A. Cosby is a New York Times bestselling writer from southeastern Virginia. He is the author of All the Sinners Bleed, which was on more than forty Best of the Year lists, including Barack Obama's, as well as Edgar Award finalist Razorblade Tears and Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner Blacktop Wasteland. He has also won the Anthony Award, ITW Thriller Award, Barry Award, Macavity Award, BCALA Award, and Audie Award and has been longlisted for the ALA Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence.

Praise for this book

A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2024 Core Excellence in Children's Science Fiction Notable Pick!
Black Caucus American Library Association Best of the Best 2023 Pick!
An Amazon Best Book of the Month - April 202
3

"A speculative adventure . . . [and] an engaging love letter to the '90s that gives way to a heartwarming story of love and support." --Publishers Weekly

"In this entertaining novel centering Black tweens by noted musician and filmmaker Questlove and bestselling author Cosby . . . time-travel hijinks and '90s rap references abound in [this] fun and funny series starter." --Kirkus Reviews

"There are many tense moments as Rahim attempts to keep his identity a secret and as Kasia outwits both her parents and government agents to try to come to Rahim's rescue and correct the timeline. . . Young readers looking for a fun romp will find it here." --School Library Connection