Yesterday Is History
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (2,933)
What’s inside...
A novel about letting go of the past, figuring out what you want in your future, and staying in the moment before it passes you by. Weeks ago, Andre Cobb received a much-needed liver transplant. He's ready for his life to finally begin, until one night, when he passes out and wakes up somewhere totally unexpected...in 1969, where he connects with a magnetic boy named Michael. And then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he slips back to present-day Boston, where the family of his donor is waiting to explain that his new liver came with a side effect—the ability to time travel. And they've tasked their youngest son, Blake, with teaching Andre how to use his unexpected new gift. Andre splits his time bouncing between the past and future. Between Michael and Blake. Michael is everything Andre wishes he could be, and Blake, still reeling from the death of his brother, Andre's donor, keeps him at arm's length despite their obvious attraction to each other. Torn between two boys, one in the past and one in the present, Andre has to figure out where he belongs—and more importantly who he wants to be—before the consequences of jumping in time catch up to him and change his future for good.; One of PopSugar's Best New YA Novels of 2021; One of PopSugar's Best New YA Novels of 2021A Buzzfeed Top LGBTQ+ YA BookA Lambda Literary YA Book An epic, heartfelt romance about a boy torn between two loves, one in his present … and one in the past. A story of Black queer history, love, loss, and learning to stay in the moment before it passes you by. Weeks ago, Andre Cobb received a much-needed liver transplant. He's ready for his life to finally begin, until one night, when he passes out and wakes up somewhere totally unexpected…in 1969, where he connects with a magnetic boy named Michael. And then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he slips back to present-day Boston, where the family of his donor is waiting to explain that his new liver came with a side effect—the ability to time travel. And they've tasked their youngest son, Blake, with teaching Andre how to use his unexpected new gift. Andre splits his time bouncing between the past and future. Between Michael and Blake. Michael is everything Andre wishes he could be, and Blake, still reeling from the death of his brother, Andre's donor, keeps him at arm's length despite their obvious attraction to each other. Torn between two boys, one in the past and one in the present, Andre has to figure out where he belongs—and more importantly who he wants to be—before the consequences of jumping in time catch up to him and change his future for good.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
302 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Andre Cobb
Michael
Blake
Discussion points
How do you think Andre's feelings change throughout the story, and what events trigger those changes?
If you could time travel like Andre, would you visit the past or the future? What would you hope to see or learn?
Andre faces many decisions that affect not just himself, but others too. Can you think of a time when a choice you made impacted someone else?
How do the relationships in the book show different forms of love and support? Which relationship did you find most compelling and why?
The concept of destiny versus choice is a big theme in the book. What do you think is more important in shaping who we are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight moments in the story where Andre learns something about himself or makes an important decision, and relate it to the child’s experiences of learning and decision-making.
Encourage the child to express their thoughts about time travel, and explore together how history has shaped the world they live in today.
Discuss the challenges the characters face and ask the child how they would handle similar situations, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Identify together lessons learned by the characters, and encourage the child to apply these morals in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of time
Explanation: The time-traveling aspect of 'Yesterday Is History' emphasizes the importance and consequences of time, encouraging readers to consider the impact of their choices and the fleeting nature of moments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value the present moment and make thoughtful decisions, understanding that their actions have consequences.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters people from different eras, he gains insights into various life experiences and viewpoints, fostering empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and cultivate empathy in their everyday interactions with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Importance of personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: The journey of the main character through different times not only unveils history but also his own personal development, stressing the importance of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own identities and grow through experiences, helping them build resilience and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Learning from history to improve the future
Explanation: The book shows how the past can teach valuable lessons that can influence one's future decisions and actions, highlighting the value of historical knowledge.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the significance of history in shaping the future and inspire them to learn from past mistakes and successes.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change and uncertainty
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates unexpected shifts in time and setting, he learns to adapt and handle uncertainty, a crucial life skill.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to be flexible and adapt to changes and challenges in their own lives, reducing anxiety about the unknown.
