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Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller: hilarious bestselling debut - like Lottie Brooks meets Back to the Future! WTS Book of the Month JUN 26
Meet Lily, accidental time-traveller!
Every New Year's Day, Lily Tripp wakes up in a new century. Thank goodness her bestie, family and secret crush all time-travel with her too . . . even if they don't know it.
But how will she live in a time before chicken nuggets were invented? Why are her brother's clothes so ridiculous in every era? And how on earth can she cope with being mean girl Georgia's servant?!
Join Lily as she bounces throughout history navigating friendship dramas, first love and family. It's LOTTIE BROOKS meets BACK TO THE FUTURE!
Every New Year's Day, Lily Tripp wakes up in a new century. Thank goodness her bestie, family and secret crush all time-travel with her too . . . even if they don't know it.
But how will she live in a time before chicken nuggets were invented? Why are her brother's clothes so ridiculous in every era? And how on earth can she cope with being mean girl Georgia's servant?!
Join Lily as she bounces throughout history navigating friendship dramas, first love and family. It's LOTTIE BROOKS meets BACK TO THE FUTURE!
298 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
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March 30, 2026How I would have loved this book as a kid! The humor, the variety of characters and their arcs, the love of books and of history--all of it would have riveted me and caused me to check it out over and over from the library.
As an adult, I appreciated how Tait skillfully sketched in the various periods of history without diving too deep into grotty, cruel, or horrifying. I also appreciated the gentle drift away from the time-worn stereotypes of middle grade characterization. I think I'll buy this one in print for my reading grand niece.
As an adult, I appreciated how Tait skillfully sketched in the various periods of history without diving too deep into grotty, cruel, or horrifying. I also appreciated the gentle drift away from the time-worn stereotypes of middle grade characterization. I think I'll buy this one in print for my reading grand niece.
June 12, 2026
This story took me longer to finish than it should of, partly because I kept getting interrupted by real life. So my immersion in this story was disrupted many times. I also wasn’t quite sure where the author was going with the story, but by the time I got 2/3 of the way, I think I decided to just accept that this girl time travels, but this story is about her navigating middle school life (which is rough enough for people who don’t time travel) as a target of a bully. But it’s also about learning to accept that in middle school, you often don’t feel like you belong even as you try to figure out who you are. By the time I got to the end of this story, I was really digging it. I think this would be a fun story for 9-12 year olds, and I really enjoyed the injection of historical facts throughout the story. Some of it made me laugh out loud while others had me cheering Lily on (even while she was getting into trouble). I’m planning on checking out book 2 as soon as it comes out!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! The concept is so clever: every New Year’s Eve, Lily wakes up in a different century. Her family, friends and crush are all there too, but always in different roles. In the 1600s Lily is a servant to her bully, and her best friend is a kitchen maid. In 1970 they’re all hippies. With every jump, Lily needs to learn the rules of that century, which leads to such funny moments. I couldn’t stop reading! ⏳
The only thing I’ll say is that in my opinion it’s not really a diary-style book. It doesn’t have diary-elements and the vocabulary, grammar and descriptions don’t necessarily sound like something a 12-year-old would write. But the first person POV works wonderfully and Lily’s voice is endearing!
The only thing I’ll say is that in my opinion it’s not really a diary-style book. It doesn’t have diary-elements and the vocabulary, grammar and descriptions don’t necessarily sound like something a 12-year-old would write. But the first person POV works wonderfully and Lily’s voice is endearing!
June 16, 2026
This was a fabulous book, so enjoyable and a real original spin on the good old diary-format novel. I loved Lily and loved the choice of time periods (the author knows ball) so I’m excited to see where she ends up next!!
(Also, fan theory, is Joseph a time traveller too?? Perhaps one from a different era originally??)
(Also, fan theory, is Joseph a time traveller too?? Perhaps one from a different era originally??)
April 28, 2026
This complimentary ALC from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley dropped me straight into a tween’s whirlwind of thoughts, time travel, and diary confessions, but and honestly, it’s as charming as it is chaotic in the best way.
This middle grade debut from journalist Amelia Tait is a darling read, though admittedly a bit tricky to review through adult eyes. Why? Because most of the challenges I noticed likely won’t register at all with the target audience—so I’m leaning into what this book does well.
Let’s start with the audiobook. The narration by Kerry Gilbert is wonderfully distinct, featuring an accent you don’t often hear in audiobooks. It’s well executed and adds authenticity, though I can see it taking a moment for some American listeners to adjust. The pacing is deliberate at 1x speed—clear and intentional—and while I had no problem speeding it up, younger listeners or those unfamiliar with the dialect might need a bit of time to settle in. That said, the performance absolutely nails that teenage tone, complete with emotional swings and that perfectly captured angst that makes it feel so real.
I do wish I had experienced this as an immersion read. The story unfolds through diary entries, and I think pairing the audio with the visual text would have elevated it even more. Still, even just through audio, the diary format feels incredibly authentic, right down to the scattered thoughts, interruptions, and those little “sorry, diary!” moments that are so quintessentially tween. It might occasionally feel a bit much from an adult perspective, but for the intended audience? It’s spot on.
The time travel element was a standout for me. It’s fun, engaging, and sneaks in educational moments without ever feeling heavy-handed even though the “why” she experiences this was never fully explored, but I digress… Lilly’s jumps between different time periods keep the story moving and naturally cater to shorter attention spans, while also sparking curiosity about history in a way that invites further exploration.
And the humor? It’s sprinkled throughout in a way that I think middle grade readers will absolutely eat up. Even as an adult, I found myself smiling more than once.
Overall, this is a great pick to read alongside a middle grade reader. It opens the door for so many conversations—from historical moments to light touches of early romance—and would make a fantastic addition for parents, teachers, and librarians building out their classroom or home libraries. I’d especially recommend this for readers ages 10–14.
This middle grade debut from journalist Amelia Tait is a darling read, though admittedly a bit tricky to review through adult eyes. Why? Because most of the challenges I noticed likely won’t register at all with the target audience—so I’m leaning into what this book does well.
Let’s start with the audiobook. The narration by Kerry Gilbert is wonderfully distinct, featuring an accent you don’t often hear in audiobooks. It’s well executed and adds authenticity, though I can see it taking a moment for some American listeners to adjust. The pacing is deliberate at 1x speed—clear and intentional—and while I had no problem speeding it up, younger listeners or those unfamiliar with the dialect might need a bit of time to settle in. That said, the performance absolutely nails that teenage tone, complete with emotional swings and that perfectly captured angst that makes it feel so real.
I do wish I had experienced this as an immersion read. The story unfolds through diary entries, and I think pairing the audio with the visual text would have elevated it even more. Still, even just through audio, the diary format feels incredibly authentic, right down to the scattered thoughts, interruptions, and those little “sorry, diary!” moments that are so quintessentially tween. It might occasionally feel a bit much from an adult perspective, but for the intended audience? It’s spot on.
The time travel element was a standout for me. It’s fun, engaging, and sneaks in educational moments without ever feeling heavy-handed even though the “why” she experiences this was never fully explored, but I digress… Lilly’s jumps between different time periods keep the story moving and naturally cater to shorter attention spans, while also sparking curiosity about history in a way that invites further exploration.
And the humor? It’s sprinkled throughout in a way that I think middle grade readers will absolutely eat up. Even as an adult, I found myself smiling more than once.
Overall, this is a great pick to read alongside a middle grade reader. It opens the door for so many conversations—from historical moments to light touches of early romance—and would make a fantastic addition for parents, teachers, and librarians building out their classroom or home libraries. I’d especially recommend this for readers ages 10–14.
April 29, 2026
Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveler is a whirlwind journey for the ages...throughout the ages. Lily is your typical preteen girl, except that she frequently travels to different periods of time. Thankfully, everyone she knows is still there, only...the new era's version of them. The catch is that Lily is the only one who this is happening too, and it makes life as a preteen even more difficult.
This was a perfectly age appropriate middle grade read! It is engaging with characters that readers will fall for, but it also incorporates a lot of really cool history that Tait brings to life in funny and exciting ways. As an adult reader, I loved watching Lily navigate through 3 different time periods, and seeing how these experiences help her grow as a character. I also really appreciated the author's ability to create a story that shows that growing up is hard, no matter when we happen to be growing up.
This is also a story about friendship, being true to yourself, and celebrating all that makes you weird. I was getting emotional at the ending thinking about how much I needed a book like this when I was in middle school. I needed Lily in my life, and I am so happy that American audiences are getting a chance to meet her.
The narrator, Kerry Gilbert, did a great job bringing Lily and the numerous other characters to life. As a silly American, it always takes me a little bit to adjusted to the British accent, but Gilbert was clear and easy to understand for my uncultured ears.
This is a must read for middle grade readers who like strong female mcs, history, and stories about fitting in. I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much to Macmillan audio for this alc. This is my personal review.
This was a perfectly age appropriate middle grade read! It is engaging with characters that readers will fall for, but it also incorporates a lot of really cool history that Tait brings to life in funny and exciting ways. As an adult reader, I loved watching Lily navigate through 3 different time periods, and seeing how these experiences help her grow as a character. I also really appreciated the author's ability to create a story that shows that growing up is hard, no matter when we happen to be growing up.
This is also a story about friendship, being true to yourself, and celebrating all that makes you weird. I was getting emotional at the ending thinking about how much I needed a book like this when I was in middle school. I needed Lily in my life, and I am so happy that American audiences are getting a chance to meet her.
The narrator, Kerry Gilbert, did a great job bringing Lily and the numerous other characters to life. As a silly American, it always takes me a little bit to adjusted to the British accent, but Gilbert was clear and easy to understand for my uncultured ears.
This is a must read for middle grade readers who like strong female mcs, history, and stories about fitting in. I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much to Macmillan audio for this alc. This is my personal review.
June 7, 2026
A really exciting twist on the typical diary entry style writing for children. This is easily one of if not the funniest yet reassuring children’s books I’ve ever read. A very fun and interesting read. It’s really refreshing to read a book targeted at young girls which highlights more than just boys and friendship. As vital as though lessons are in your tweens, this has so much more personality to it. I can’t wait for book two in the series!
June 8, 2026
Delightful.
Oh, the way I would've loved this when I was younger, and how I would've made it my entire personality, like I did with Ella Enchanted and The Lottie Project and that time in eighth grade I had t-shirts with ribbons that tied around my chest and I pretended I was Kate Winslet on the Titanic...
Like The Secret of the Ruby Ring meets The Princess Diaries, and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Oh, the way I would've loved this when I was younger, and how I would've made it my entire personality, like I did with Ella Enchanted and The Lottie Project and that time in eighth grade I had t-shirts with ribbons that tied around my chest and I pretended I was Kate Winslet on the Titanic...
Like The Secret of the Ruby Ring meets The Princess Diaries, and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
May 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audio version of this book, which was published May 12, 2026.
It’s a fun, quick read and the first in a trilogy about 13 year old, time traveler Lily Tripp. The audio book is narrated by Kerry Gilbert and she was perfect.
“I’d like to take you out, like a library book.”
Themes include: history, friendship, bullying.
I’ll be back for book two, which is expected in March 2027.
It’s a fun, quick read and the first in a trilogy about 13 year old, time traveler Lily Tripp. The audio book is narrated by Kerry Gilbert and she was perfect.
“I’d like to take you out, like a library book.”
Themes include: history, friendship, bullying.
I’ll be back for book two, which is expected in March 2027.
June 5, 2026
A delightful, charming kids fantasy that is a fun read for all ages.
Time traveler Lily Tripp finds herself and her acquaintances dropped into various time periods in the past, often with comical results. The book does an exceptionally good job of making this fun while teaching the reader something about daily life in each of the eras Lily lands in, and in a way teaches us something about our own era through the errors Lily makes in her adventures in the past.
Atmospherically this is really well done, immersive wherever Lily goes, and thoughtfully blending the actual environment with how that environment might be interpreted by a modern gal like Lily.
The book isn’t too heavy on moral lessons and focuses more on teaching history and the ability to adapt and be comfortable in one’s own skin. All of this is done with a light touch and a terrific sense of adventure.
Hoping this continues as a series, as the possibilities for adventure for Lily in both the present and past feel endless and exciting to imagine.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Time traveler Lily Tripp finds herself and her acquaintances dropped into various time periods in the past, often with comical results. The book does an exceptionally good job of making this fun while teaching the reader something about daily life in each of the eras Lily lands in, and in a way teaches us something about our own era through the errors Lily makes in her adventures in the past.
Atmospherically this is really well done, immersive wherever Lily goes, and thoughtfully blending the actual environment with how that environment might be interpreted by a modern gal like Lily.
The book isn’t too heavy on moral lessons and focuses more on teaching history and the ability to adapt and be comfortable in one’s own skin. All of this is done with a light touch and a terrific sense of adventure.
Hoping this continues as a series, as the possibilities for adventure for Lily in both the present and past feel endless and exciting to imagine.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 16, 2026
I am not the target audience for this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next one. My preteen daughter did enjoy it too. I would have liked a bit more reason for why, but maybe this will come later on there series. I do want to read the next one which is unusual for me to read a series. Such a fun, enjoyable read.
June 1, 2026
Loved this very much! Interesting concept - diary style + time travel historical fiction. This could have gone wrong many ways but it didn't. The author held her own and we're getting snippets of life in various time periods plus all the complexity of growing up and relationships. Very good read.
July 14, 2026
I loved this book! So fun and also educational. If I had history lessons in this format, maybe I’d learned something. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 9, 2026
This was a fun middle grade read. There were several times where I laughed out loud! Lily travels back in time every New Year’s Eve. Her family and friends all go with her, but nobody remembers the time travel except for Lily. I read this as an audiobook and I thoroughly enjoyed the narrators voice. Her inflection and teenage angst were spot on. Lily’s character is very relatable and you feel for her as she grapples with the new rules of each new time period. I thought the author did a marvelous job of bringing in time period facts while still feeling authentic to the story. There are a couple of swear words and Lily talks a lot about her love for Ollie. (This feels very age appropriate and isn’t overly done.)
I would recommend for ages 10-14, for kids who like history or romance.
I would recommend for ages 10-14, for kids who like history or romance.
May 12, 2026
Loved this book it reminded me of Bridget Jones Diary as a 13 year old. Such a good lesson for kids and wish I had this book back when I was 13. The time traveling part was awesome. Since debut book I’m hoping she makes it a series.
January 26, 2026
I could barely put this book down. From the opening line, Tait brings you into the world of Lily Tripp, and you hardly ever want to leave. It is so much fun to read, filled with vivid descriptions of history and plenty of interesting facts. It is perfect, wonderful, and joyous. Every young person should get the chance to experience life with Lily Tripp!
November 24, 2025
This is MINDBLOWINGLY good! Lottie Brooks fans are going to be obsessed!
May 13, 2026
In Amelia Tait’s book, “Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveler”, Lily is a 13-year old who has had some very unique experiences. Starting on her ninth birthday on New Year’s Eve she and her family time traveled to Victorian England and stayed there for a year. Then on her tenth birthday they traveled to Roman Britain for a year. For her eleventh year it was the 1920’s and this last year it was back to 2025. Of course this was going to be the end of the time traveling, right? Wrong! On Lily’s 14th birthday, New Year’s Eve 2025 she travels to 1621 and is accused of being a witch! Will Lily be able to survive these time travels?
Ms. Tait’s book kept me engaged and I didn’t want to put it down. I liked how little pieces (and some big ones) of history were shared and how they were interpreted by the characters in the story. What’s interesting about the time travels is that all the people Lily knows are in the new time period, but she is the only one who is doing the time traveling, the others have no knowledge of the different time periods. One of the take-aways that I found is that the characters personalities remain constant, no matter the time period. Bullies are bullies. Followers are followers. The trick is to keep ones loyal friends and hope that those friends stay loyal in the long run. I could see this book as a series as Lily and friends visit more historical eras! This book would be perfect for middle school readers who like sci-fi and fantasies.
I wish to thank Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#LilyTrippDiaryofanAccidentalTimeTraveler
#MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
#MiddleSchoolers
#TimeTravel
Ms. Tait’s book kept me engaged and I didn’t want to put it down. I liked how little pieces (and some big ones) of history were shared and how they were interpreted by the characters in the story. What’s interesting about the time travels is that all the people Lily knows are in the new time period, but she is the only one who is doing the time traveling, the others have no knowledge of the different time periods. One of the take-aways that I found is that the characters personalities remain constant, no matter the time period. Bullies are bullies. Followers are followers. The trick is to keep ones loyal friends and hope that those friends stay loyal in the long run. I could see this book as a series as Lily and friends visit more historical eras! This book would be perfect for middle school readers who like sci-fi and fantasies.
I wish to thank Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#LilyTrippDiaryofanAccidentalTimeTraveler
#MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
#MiddleSchoolers
#TimeTravel
May 8, 2026
The title alone is enough to entice middle graders to read this. For the last several years Lily Tripp has hated her birthday, which falls on January 1 because she has no idea what century she might wake up in. This fun coming of age story is filled with humor, the magical realism of time travel, middle school angst, and a smattering of history as Lily travels from one time period and location to the next. The diary acts as a special friend whom Lily can commiserate with as she puts up with the messiness along the way, including being forced to be a servant to the mean girl school bully, Georgia, during the 1600s. This well written story is sure to please middle grade readers everywhere. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2026
Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveler was a super fun tween read. I’m always on the lookout for books that hit the tween ages- where kids feel too old for most middle-grade books but maybe aren’t quite ready for YA content yet. Lily Tripp hit that sweet spot and was a fun ride.
Reminiscent of Oona Out of Order or When the Day Comes, Lily Tripp hit the zany tween antics and angst of The Princess Diaries.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job of capturing each character.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Amelia Tait for allowing me to listen to the ALC of this book.
Reminiscent of Oona Out of Order or When the Day Comes, Lily Tripp hit the zany tween antics and angst of The Princess Diaries.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job of capturing each character.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Amelia Tait for allowing me to listen to the ALC of this book.
May 27, 2026
This was really cute and I'm positive younger me who was obsessed with Junie B. Jones and Dork Diaries, but also enjoyed watching Back to the Future and Doctor Who with my Dad would have devoured it!
As if middle school friendships, and crushes, and annoying brothers aren't difficult enough, Lily Tripp finds herself transported to a different time period every year on her birthday and no one else notices! This is her diary expressing her frustrations with social norms changing constantly and bullying from peers, but also sharing about day to day fun with her best friend and things she has learned in different eras. Fun but still has powerful messages about identity and belonging
As if middle school friendships, and crushes, and annoying brothers aren't difficult enough, Lily Tripp finds herself transported to a different time period every year on her birthday and no one else notices! This is her diary expressing her frustrations with social norms changing constantly and bullying from peers, but also sharing about day to day fun with her best friend and things she has learned in different eras. Fun but still has powerful messages about identity and belonging
July 13, 2026
This book was truly amazing; I loved it so much. It may not of followed what it said about her time travelling on New Years 5 ( it jumped to a new year randomly) it was still so good, and I learnt some new things about the past. I look forward to the next one coming out next year to see where Lily and her family/friends end up next
May 9, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the time traveling premise of this book and the characters. My only complaint is that I wish the time traveling started earlier and that we saw more of it. Nevertheless, 4 stars!
I loved the time traveling premise of this book and the characters. My only complaint is that I wish the time traveling started earlier and that we saw more of it. Nevertheless, 4 stars!
May 30, 2026
What a fun story! Reminiscent of Louise Rennison’s Georgia Nicolson books but for a younger audience. I loved the way that Tait delves into Lily’s relationships with family and friends (and arch-enemy Georgia), and how they are all part of her time-traveling adventures.
Kerry Gilbert does a fantastic job narrating the audiobook.
Thanks to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary e-audiobook.
Kerry Gilbert does a fantastic job narrating the audiobook.
Thanks to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary e-audiobook.
June 29, 2026
I enjoyed a change of pace with “Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveler,” a middle grade book, written by Amelia Tait, that follows Lily Tripp as she travels through different time periods. As she tries to adjust to the customs of the times, she is also dealing with the angst of middle school and coming of age. The pull and tug of friendships changing, first crushes, and a few history lessons, had me reliving all the feels of middle school. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who loves middle grade novels. 4 stars.
(Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.)
(Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.)
July 15, 2026
What a fun concept! Every New Year's Day Lily wakes up in a different century, dragging her family, best friend and crush through history with her (even if they're completely unaware of it).
Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, awkward friendship drama, a sweet first crush and plenty of historical chaos, this is a fast, entertaining read. The historical settings are full of clever little details, and watching Lily try to survive without modern comforts (yes, including chicken nuggets!) is an absolute delight.
Perfect for younger readers who enjoy adventure, humour and a touch of time-travel magic.
Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, awkward friendship drama, a sweet first crush and plenty of historical chaos, this is a fast, entertaining read. The historical settings are full of clever little details, and watching Lily try to survive without modern comforts (yes, including chicken nuggets!) is an absolute delight.
Perfect for younger readers who enjoy adventure, humour and a touch of time-travel magic.
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May 27, 2026This breezy middle-grade novel has a great premise: thirteen-year-old Lily finds herself time-travelling to different eras. Wherever she lands, she has the same family and friends, but they are unaware of their future selves and don’t know Lily has time-travelled.
A fun read with some nice period details to appeal to middle-grade readers, it’s a story about coming of age, friendships and getting along with others.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
A fun read with some nice period details to appeal to middle-grade readers, it’s a story about coming of age, friendships and getting along with others.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
July 14, 2026
SUCH a cute premise for a middle grades fantasy read. Lily Tripp on her birthday is able to time travel. Her friends, family, and even bullies still appear in these time travels but are part of the new time period, and only Lily recognizes them from their 21st century reality. The setting may change—living as a servant in 1621 or being a wild child in the 1970s—but Lily’s worries are the same. It feels like Back to the Future meets Wishbone. I greatly enjoyed Lily’s drama, but the diary entries felt a little funky as a format.
May 29, 2026
This book was hilarious and lighthearted and perfect for teenage girls! I love that the author researched the time periods that Lily was brought to and the problems she dealt with were authentic and sweet. It reminded me of The Princess Diaries and I felt drawn in almost immediately.
June 28, 2026
I love you Lily, like Olivia Rodriguo said “ their indecision make them painfully unattractive “ Ollie doesn’t deserve you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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