Future Me Saves the World (and Ruins My Life) by A.B. Siegel: A Time-Traveling Adventure Through Chaos and Middle School Drama
Have you ever thought about what your life would look like if you received advice from your future self? A.B. Siegel’s Future Me Saves the World (and Ruins My Life) caught my attention right away with this whimsical premise. As I turned the pages, the combination of humor and heartfelt chaos mirrored my own middle school experiences, making it a relatable and engaging read from start to finish.
The story follows Ethan, an everyday middle schooler whose life is turned upside down with the arrival of his future self, dressed in an outfit that screams "2015 meets sci-fi." This isn’t the first time Future Ethan has dropped by; he’s been a recurring figure in Ethan’s life, attempting to tweak small things to ensure a brighter future. This time, however, the stakes are particularly high: Ethan must ensure their upcoming substitute teacher doesn’t despise teaching. If she does, it could lead to catastrophic consequences—like forming a world-dominating army!
What struck me most about the book is how authentically it handles themes of trust, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. Ethan grapples with his future self’s expectations, all while navigating the usual middle school mishmash—bullying, shifting friendships, and the struggle to fit in. The emotional complexity of realizing that his older self has forgotten about his best friend resonated deeply. It’s a painful truth many young readers will recognize: sometimes, friendships fade as life moves on.
Siegel’s writing style is engaging and accessible, perfect for the younger end of the middle-grade audience. The pacing is quick, and with shorter chapters and well-placed illustrations, it captures attention without overwhelming the reader. I found myself laughing at Ethan’s attempts to bring the class together, all while knowing deep down that the plan was destined for chaos. The entire narrative has a light, humorous tone, sprinkled with moments of genuine tension that kept me turning the pages.
A memorable quote from Ethan—“If my future self can’t even remember my best friend, how can I trust his advice?”—perfectly encapsulates that blend of humor and sincerity, prompting reflections on the importance of connections that resonate beyond time. While Ethan’s journey—and the hiccups along the way—often made me chuckle, they also allowed for some serious reflections on loyalty and growing pains.
Though it felt like the narrative hinted at previous adventures with his future self, which could leave some readers feeling a bit lost, this added an intriguing layer. It created a desire to know more about Ethan’s earlier time-travel escapades and how they shaped his present.
In conclusion, Future Me Saves the World (and Ruins My Life) is a delightful read for middle schoolers and anyone nostalgic about that tumultuous age. It balances humor with deeper emotional beats, making it not just a fun escape, but also a reflective journey on friendships and the passage of time. If you enjoy quirky characters, chaotic school situations, and a sprinkle of light sci-fi, then this book should definitely be on your reading list. After finishing, I found myself smiling, not just at the antics of Ethan and his future self, but at the poignant reminder that while growing up can be complicated, it’s also a bit magical.
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