I’m an avid reader and when it comes to selecting something to read I don’t like to limit my choices. I don’t stick to a single genre. I am a big believer in the premise that a good story transcends any recommended age categories. For me, whether it’s a gripping adult thriller, a terrifying horror or a whimsical children’s tale, the magic of storytelling lies in its ability to challenge and excite readers, whatever their age. So for me, a story centred around books, reading and the disappearance of libraries, something that is very relevant in the world today, I was immediately intrigued! Welcome to Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson.
Set in the year 2075, Jodie and the Library Card introduces readers to a future where everything is digital – television, communication, and most heartbreakingly, books. Printed media has been banned for half a century and libraries as we know them have vanished. In this world, every child is issued a library card, not to borrow books, but to time travel for educational research. It’s a clever twist that blends science fiction with a love of literature, one that the author uses to explore themes of censorship, curiosity and the enduring power of stories.
Jodie Broom, our spirited twelve-year-old heroine (nearly thirteen, she’ll remind you), is a bookworm through and through. Despite the book ban, she yearns for the tactile joy of holding a real book (they are much better than their digital counterparts in my opinion). Her passion leads her to use her time-travelling library card not just for homework, but to secretly collect physical books from the past. It’s a risky endeavour, it is illegal to own printed books in 2075 … and it comes with serious consequences if discovered. When her parents discover her hidden library, they demand she gets rid of the books she has collected, leaving Jodie feeling devastated at the thought. But instead of disposing of her much-loved stash, she has another idea and puts her library card to good use and undertakes a daring adventure through the annals of time.
Her journey begins in China, with a mission to retrieve a book from none other than Attila the Hun. But she doesn’t stop there, from there she hops through pivotal moments in history that include the sinking of the Titanic, wartime London during WWII, the Carnation Revolution in Portugal and more. Along the way, Jodie is joined by a group of friends who share her passion and curiosity, but their travels aren’t risk free. When Jodie and her friends become trapped in time, the stakes rise, will they find their way back to the future?
Overall, Jodie and the Library Card is an exciting caper throughout exciting periods of history. It is an exhilarating blend of time-travelling, sci-fi adventure and historical intrigue, with a heartfelt message about the importance of preserving literature and libraries. We already live in a digital age, where eReaders and screens are already dominating the landscape, resulting in libraries facing dwindling foot traffic and use (and possible closures), making this a story that serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the printed word. It’s a fantastic reminder for all to cherish our local libraries and make more use of them, not just as repositories of books, but as community hubs and gateways to imagination. And yes, they’re free to use, so go find yours!
The story is an excellent sci-fi adventure with relatable fun characters that will thrill junior and middle-grade readers. While it is aimed at readers 9–12, older readers (myself included) will find plenty to enjoy in this tale. With its light and evocative writing, it is a delightful sci-fi romp that champions curiosity, courage and the timeless joy of reading. The story offers young page turners plenty of excitement blended with bite-sized lessons in global history without it ever feeling didactic or heavy-handed.
Whether you’re a young reader or simply young at heart, this book is well worth the journey.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.99 (Paperback) / £2.14 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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