What do you think?
T.J. and the Time Stumblers #5
Switched!
Still on their quest to teach TJ Finkelstein the life lessons she'll need to be a great world leader, 23rd-century goofballs Tuna and Herby are brewing up even more trouble for the new kid in Malibu. As the boys try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, TV star Hesper Breakahart . . . and vice versa. And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ's new look and superstar power to use. The time stumblers set up a concert for "Hesper" as a diversion while they sneak aboard a nuclear submarine and borrow a plutonium power pack--one of the items needed to fuel their time pod and get them out of TJ's life. Meanwhile, Tuna and Herby are hounded by their own nemesis, Bruce Bruiseabone, who's having a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson that TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper's shoes--and body!
176 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2012
About the author
Bill Myers
320 books403 followersBill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 13, 2023
Funny and clean. Would recommend for a laugh and relaxation.
January 14, 2012
Switched! is the 5th book of the TJ and the Time Stumblers series from Bill Myers.
"This six-book series centers around two 23rd century goofballs, Tuna and Herby, who travel back in time to study TJ Finkelstein for their history project. TJ will someday become a great leader who demonstrates honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, respect for others—all traits she hones and grasps through her adventures in this series. Unfortunately, Tuna and Herby get stuck in TJ’s time (modern day), so she has to deal with their schemes while juggling the normal issues of a seventh grader who has moved to a new city, is trying to fit in, and is coping with her mother’s death and her family’s new life. " Tyndale House
Book description:
As Tuna and Herby try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, Hesper Breakahart-and vice versa! And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ's new look and superstar power to use-they decide to have "Hesper" perform a concert as a diversion while they sneak aboard a nuclear submarine and borrow a plutonium power pack (one of the items needed to fuel their time pod and get them out of TJ's life!).
Meanwhile, Tuna and Herby are hounded by their own nemesis, Bruce Bruiseabone, who's having a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper's shoes-and body! ~ Christian Book
Check out the video trailer!
watch on tyndale.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
This book brings many zany characters to life! Who wouldn't love to have their very own futuristic friends around to keep life wacky and adventurous? As a story, I enjoyed the way Bill Myers weaved the zany activities of these characters with life in seventh grade.
Even though this series may keep a child reading and entertained, as a parent and home school mom, I would not use this in my lesson plans. I feel the lesson of forgiveness is lost in the crazy story of switching places. There are many other avenues to reinforce forgiveness such as Bible stories and modeling it in real life. As home schoolers, we spend many hours with our children and how many times do I - as the parent / teacher - need to ask forgiveness from one or all of my kids. (I know I'm not alone in this!) Also, I feel that reading good literature encourages the students to learn good writings skills, spelling, and vocabulary. Now, if my student wanted to read this as their "pleasure" reading, that would be fine.
Author Bio:
Bill Myers is the author of several best-selling series, including Forbidden Doors, The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle, McGee and Me! He is a writer and director; his work has won over 60 national and international awards and his books and videos have sold nearly 8 million copies. Click HERE for more information on his kids and teens books.
I received a complimentary copy of Switched! from Tyndale House Publisher for my honest opinion.
"This six-book series centers around two 23rd century goofballs, Tuna and Herby, who travel back in time to study TJ Finkelstein for their history project. TJ will someday become a great leader who demonstrates honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, respect for others—all traits she hones and grasps through her adventures in this series. Unfortunately, Tuna and Herby get stuck in TJ’s time (modern day), so she has to deal with their schemes while juggling the normal issues of a seventh grader who has moved to a new city, is trying to fit in, and is coping with her mother’s death and her family’s new life. " Tyndale House
Book description:
As Tuna and Herby try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, Hesper Breakahart-and vice versa! And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ's new look and superstar power to use-they decide to have "Hesper" perform a concert as a diversion while they sneak aboard a nuclear submarine and borrow a plutonium power pack (one of the items needed to fuel their time pod and get them out of TJ's life!).
Meanwhile, Tuna and Herby are hounded by their own nemesis, Bruce Bruiseabone, who's having a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper's shoes-and body! ~ Christian Book
Check out the video trailer!
watch on tyndale.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
This book brings many zany characters to life! Who wouldn't love to have their very own futuristic friends around to keep life wacky and adventurous? As a story, I enjoyed the way Bill Myers weaved the zany activities of these characters with life in seventh grade.
Even though this series may keep a child reading and entertained, as a parent and home school mom, I would not use this in my lesson plans. I feel the lesson of forgiveness is lost in the crazy story of switching places. There are many other avenues to reinforce forgiveness such as Bible stories and modeling it in real life. As home schoolers, we spend many hours with our children and how many times do I - as the parent / teacher - need to ask forgiveness from one or all of my kids. (I know I'm not alone in this!) Also, I feel that reading good literature encourages the students to learn good writings skills, spelling, and vocabulary. Now, if my student wanted to read this as their "pleasure" reading, that would be fine.
Author Bio:
Bill Myers is the author of several best-selling series, including Forbidden Doors, The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle, McGee and Me! He is a writer and director; his work has won over 60 national and international awards and his books and videos have sold nearly 8 million copies. Click HERE for more information on his kids and teens books.
I received a complimentary copy of Switched! from Tyndale House Publisher for my honest opinion.
January 25, 2012
Switched TJ and the Time Stumblers
by Bill Myers was a very...bizarre...story, but at the same time, it was HILARIOUSLY AMAZING! TJ Finkelstein is yet again on a crazy mission to save her 23rd-century friends, Tuna and Herby--if you could call them friends. They caused all the trouble in the first place--shaving their own hair off (along with TJ's), switching TJ and TJ's snotty movie-star archenemy Hesper Breakahart's bodies, and causing their own archenemy, Bruce Bruiseabone, to attempt to destroy everything in TJ's time! Along with that mess, the two time-travelling troublemakers need to get back to their own time with some plutonium fuel for their time machine, and all they have to do is...sneak on to a top secret nuclear submarine and "borrow" it. How will they EVER switch everything back to normal? And can Tuna and Herby get back to their own time?
This was a fun and exciting read! I thought the puns were funny, too (e.g. Choka Cola)! Mr. Myers did a great job with putting emphasis on exclamations by making the text big and in a different font. It was a little confusing because I read the fifth book first, though. I haven't read the other books yet, but I plan to! I also like that it was kind of random. That made it even funnier! They incorporated the lesson of forgiveness as well.
For more information about the author, visit http://billmyers.com/ or http://billmyers.com/BillMyersKids/in....
**I received a copy of this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.**
Switched! Blog Post
Kristina Cardoza
This was a fun and exciting read! I thought the puns were funny, too (e.g. Choka Cola)! Mr. Myers did a great job with putting emphasis on exclamations by making the text big and in a different font. It was a little confusing because I read the fifth book first, though. I haven't read the other books yet, but I plan to! I also like that it was kind of random. That made it even funnier! They incorporated the lesson of forgiveness as well.
For more information about the author, visit http://billmyers.com/ or http://billmyers.com/BillMyersKids/in....
**I received a copy of this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.**
Switched! Blog Post
Kristina Cardoza
July 22, 2014
Book 5 finds TJ and her 23rd century friends, Tuna and Herby, in the midst of another adventure. Tuna and Herby have identified what is needed to fix their time machine and return home. Only the way to fuel the machine is through a nuclear submarine's power pack. And those are hard to come by. Then there's the Swiss Army Knife that has gone berserk. It's caused TJ to switch bodies with her archenemy, Hesper Breakahart. Yet even here, there's something for her to learn.
Once again, I have found myself delighted with TJ's adventures. And Tuna and Herby's attempts at making things better really don't help. But what I really loved about this book was that the lesson TJ learns is to not judge others. I also loved Chad, TJ's dreamy neighbor. I found him to be a truly genuine character in the entire series and I thought he was a sweetheart.
I would recommend this series to all teachers who want to provide a few books that teach lessons in a humorous way to their students. I have really enjoyed reading this entire series.
I rented this book from the library to read as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12.
Rating - 5 stars
Once again, I have found myself delighted with TJ's adventures. And Tuna and Herby's attempts at making things better really don't help. But what I really loved about this book was that the lesson TJ learns is to not judge others. I also loved Chad, TJ's dreamy neighbor. I found him to be a truly genuine character in the entire series and I thought he was a sweetheart.
I would recommend this series to all teachers who want to provide a few books that teach lessons in a humorous way to their students. I have really enjoyed reading this entire series.
I rented this book from the library to read as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12.
Rating - 5 stars
July 22, 2012
And T.J. thought things couldn't get any worse...she was wrong.
As if being being accidentally shaved bald wasn't bad enough, Tuna and Herby manage to switch Hesper Breakaheart, (T.J.'s archenemy) and T.J.'s bodies causing a series of hilarious and calamitous events to occur. But then, you probably know by now that it's never a dull moment with T.J. Finkelstein!
The laughs never stop in the 5th installment of T.J. and the Time Stumblers. A great middle grade book that can be enjoyed by multiple ages, I'm thinking of recommending these books to my younger friends :) I love how the humor is clean and a bit sarcastic, but not snarky.
The characters were perfectly overdone cliches that allowed me to laugh with them and the situations.
There's tons of action and lots of laughs. This book did a great job of representing everyday forgiveness for children and how we just have to let things go, and we can't hold on to the wrongdoing forever, because it will only make one bitter. A fun series that was very entertaining to me :)
No review required, I checked this book out at the local library. Thanks!
As if being being accidentally shaved bald wasn't bad enough, Tuna and Herby manage to switch Hesper Breakaheart, (T.J.'s archenemy) and T.J.'s bodies causing a series of hilarious and calamitous events to occur. But then, you probably know by now that it's never a dull moment with T.J. Finkelstein!
The laughs never stop in the 5th installment of T.J. and the Time Stumblers. A great middle grade book that can be enjoyed by multiple ages, I'm thinking of recommending these books to my younger friends :) I love how the humor is clean and a bit sarcastic, but not snarky.
The characters were perfectly overdone cliches that allowed me to laugh with them and the situations.
There's tons of action and lots of laughs. This book did a great job of representing everyday forgiveness for children and how we just have to let things go, and we can't hold on to the wrongdoing forever, because it will only make one bitter. A fun series that was very entertaining to me :)
No review required, I checked this book out at the local library. Thanks!
December 15, 2013
My favorite of the series so far, I really appreciated this lesson over the rest of the previous ones. This is a fantastic series, and they all have very clear lessons to them, though the circumstances surrounding said lessons are less than likely, considering that they were caused by two goofballs from the 23rd century. :)
The problem in this book was that TJ traded places with her enemy, Hesper Breakahart, the world famous teenage actress. While TJ was inside of Hesper's body, she learned why it was that the girl behaved in the way she did. TJ (and the readers) learn the importance of forgiveness, as well as to not judge others by their appearance or their behavior, since everybody has some type of battle that they are dealing with.
This book was funny, just as the rest are, and I do enjoy the way its written. Once you get past the goofy sound effects, and some of the names, they are really enjoyable books. They are easy reads, and I like how the author wrote the conversations, and the wide variety of personalities of the differing characters.
The problem in this book was that TJ traded places with her enemy, Hesper Breakahart, the world famous teenage actress. While TJ was inside of Hesper's body, she learned why it was that the girl behaved in the way she did. TJ (and the readers) learn the importance of forgiveness, as well as to not judge others by their appearance or their behavior, since everybody has some type of battle that they are dealing with.
This book was funny, just as the rest are, and I do enjoy the way its written. Once you get past the goofy sound effects, and some of the names, they are really enjoyable books. They are easy reads, and I like how the author wrote the conversations, and the wide variety of personalities of the differing characters.
February 6, 2012
In this 5th book in the TJ and the Time Stumblers series, TJ is the new kid at a junior high school and she arrives along with some strange happenings, that are caused by her invisible time traveling friends from the 23rd century, Tuna and Herby, who are constantly hounded by their nemesis, Bruce Bruiseabone. In the meantime, TJ's nemesis is the beautiful 13 year old teen superstar, Hesper Breakahart, who due to the mishaps of the bumbling Tuna and Herby, switches bodies with TJ.
TJ finds out how difficult it is to live Hesper's life while helping Tuna and Herby "borrow" some plutonium so they can power their time pod and return to their own time. She learns the power of forgiveness as she walks in someone else's shoes - and body.
This is a fun, cute book for children ages 8 to 12. I got the book for free to review from Tyndale and I am passing it on to my 10 and 12 year old children to read next. I am sure that they will enjoy it!
TJ finds out how difficult it is to live Hesper's life while helping Tuna and Herby "borrow" some plutonium so they can power their time pod and return to their own time. She learns the power of forgiveness as she walks in someone else's shoes - and body.
This is a fun, cute book for children ages 8 to 12. I got the book for free to review from Tyndale and I am passing it on to my 10 and 12 year old children to read next. I am sure that they will enjoy it!
August 20, 2013
In Switched, TJ learns the value of forgiveness when Tuna and Herby cause a ruckus that results in the body switching of TJ and Hesper. Living a day in Hesper’s shoes helps TJ realize how hard it is to always be “perfect” and how much pressure the movie star has on a daily basis. As TJ is learning this valuable lesson, Bruce, who is the nemesis of Tuna and Herby, keeps showing up causing further havoc. TJ, who struggles with forgiving Hesper, manages to get Bruce to forgive Tuna and Herby for a prank that they pulled on him that caused much humiliation for Bruce. Despite the chaos that TJ, Hesper, Chad, and their classmates experienced, everything turned out well in the end and TJ learned another lesson that will help her become the great world leader she is going to grow up to be. This was another great tween/teen read by Bill Myers, which I found funny while still teaching an important Biblical truth that all should learn.
June 10, 2014
"Switched!" is the 5th book in the "TJ and the Time Stumblers" series by Bill Myers. It continues the story of mishaps and adventures that junior higher T.J. Finkelstein experiences as a result of her from-the-future companions Herby and Tuna and all their 23rd century gadgets and inventions.
In this installment, they learn a valuable lesson about empathy, compassion and forgiveness as they "walk a mile" in other's shoes as a result of a body-switching gizmo. TJ begins to understand that the life of her adversary, Hesper Breakaheart, is not all sunshine and rainbows, and the futuristic Herby and Tuna learn why their archenemy is out to get them.
As far as the series goes, this is probably the second best "moral to the story" but it unfortunately feels like each book gets a little more obnoxious than the last. I didn't really enjoy "Switched!" but because I did appreciate the moral and practical lessons in it, I am giving it 3 stars. :)
In this installment, they learn a valuable lesson about empathy, compassion and forgiveness as they "walk a mile" in other's shoes as a result of a body-switching gizmo. TJ begins to understand that the life of her adversary, Hesper Breakaheart, is not all sunshine and rainbows, and the futuristic Herby and Tuna learn why their archenemy is out to get them.
As far as the series goes, this is probably the second best "moral to the story" but it unfortunately feels like each book gets a little more obnoxious than the last. I didn't really enjoy "Switched!" but because I did appreciate the moral and practical lessons in it, I am giving it 3 stars. :)
July 9, 2013
If you are familiar with Bill Myers then you know that this is going to be an unusual read! Bill Myers has a way of writing that kids especially preteens and young teens can relate with. Maybe, it's that kind.of.sarcastic, I.know.what.I'm.doing (but not really!) way that T.J., Tuna and Herby bounce through life.
But the three friends are great together and they don't let life's little twists and turns get them down!
This time T.J. learns about forgiveness. Forgiveness is not always as easy to give or receive as we might think! A great lesson in remembering that He is the only One who can forgive us and others!
A fun, faith filled read that YA readers can relate with.
But the three friends are great together and they don't let life's little twists and turns get them down!
This time T.J. learns about forgiveness. Forgiveness is not always as easy to give or receive as we might think! A great lesson in remembering that He is the only One who can forgive us and others!
A fun, faith filled read that YA readers can relate with.
September 3, 2013
Switched is the 5th book in the TJ and the Time Stumblers series. TJ still has her visitors from the 23 century, Tuna and Herby. When one of their devices accidentally switched TJ and the popular Hesper and Doug and Chad, TJ had the opportunity to walk in Hesper's shoes and realize that you shouldn't judge someone from what you see in public. Tuna, Herby and Bruce, their enemy from the 23rd century learned a valuable lesson in forgiveness. Tuna and Herby are continuing to help TJ develop her leadership skills before they head back home. This is a good series for kids, they can read an entertaining book and learn some valuable lessons.
June 24, 2014
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the other's I have read. I did enjoy the overall storyline and the meaning behind it. TJ gets to know Hepser Breakahart's life a little better when they end up switching bodies. Hesper has been the popular mean girl and now TJ gets a look behind the scenes. With help from the 23rd century everyone starts switching places and did I mention TJ is now bald? People are not always as they seem and there is usually more to their life than meets the eye.
This is a good book just not my favorite. Young adults will enjoy.
This is a good book just not my favorite. Young adults will enjoy.
December 24, 2014
TJ and the Time Stumblers Series , #5
I received this from Tyndale Blog Network free for my book review.
When I requested this book I thought my daughter would love it, so I gave it to her to review. She loved the book, she did not want to put it down that is how much she was into reading it. The part she thought was funny is when Tuna & Herby shaved TJ's hair off with the Swiss army knife. She also liked the book cover the illustration really catches the eye. She says she would recommend this book to other children to read. Age range: 8 - 12 Years
July 30, 2014
In this adventure TJ and Hesper Breakahart (TJ's enemy) get their bodies swapped. More complications follow these strange events as Herby and Tuna, the 23rd century bumbling time stumblers mess things up. But TJ continues to learn valuable life lessons. The craziness of the story will make it a favorite of all children and teens.
August 21, 2014
What a fun book! When TJ and her enemy Hesper Breakahart get their bodies switched, TJ learns that maybe Hesper is mean because she has a rough life, even if she is a superstar and has lots of money and fans. (Or maybe not). Of course, there are lots of crazy moments as Tuna and Herby, the 23rd century time travelers, make a mess of so many things!
April 30, 2012
Switched! is the fifth book in the TJ and the Time Stumblers series written by Bill Myers. This is a youth fiction novel that, in my opinion, would be a great book for 10-13 year olds. http://jamisreviews.blogspot.com/2012...
June 7, 2014
Predictable.
This book felt like a replay of most of the other Time Stumblers books. They're zany and zonked as usual, but Myers' is running out of ideas for TJ and her friends. The lessons are still good ones, but the writing and scenarios created felt like a rerun instead of a new episode.
This book felt like a replay of most of the other Time Stumblers books. They're zany and zonked as usual, but Myers' is running out of ideas for TJ and her friends. The lessons are still good ones, but the writing and scenarios created felt like a rerun instead of a new episode.
July 2, 2013
Switched! by Bill Myers is a good book for kids and their parents alike. It has a good lesson and values such as love, honesty, patience, and kindness. All in all a great book to read!
August 23, 2013
My least favorite of the series. Standard story of a good character (TJ) getting switched with a bad character (Hesper). This series is getting way to drawn out.
August 9, 2014
Switched! is probably the strangest of the series yet. Especially when TJ turns into Hesper. It was funny, but not as much as the others.
4 stars.
4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews