Frozen in Time Paperback – 6 Jun. 2013

I was prompted to read this young person's novel after sitting in on a key stage 3 English class studying the book at a school in Southend, during a visit last week as part of my job. It's a time travel novel, a genre I always love, involving a boy and girl, Freddy and Polly, from 1956 who are kept in cryogenic suspension and accidentally revived in the modern day (2009 when this was written) by two other children to whom they are related, Ben and Rachel. It involves international espionage and missing scientists, but is first and foremost a study of how Freddy and Polly cope with life in the twenty-first century and their hilarious misunderstandings. As such, it is not only a great adventure story, with a very dramatic and tense final few chapters in particular, but also teaches young readers that things haven't always been as they are now, some things may be better, some may be worse. Very good.

This book is excellent. Fast paced, fun, a good storyline. It will entrance its intended readers and engage old readers too with the careful depiction of a 1950s lifestyle. Highly recommended.I feel for the author, who must be kicking herself over one minor detail. She sets the book in summer of 2009 - just a matter of months after the publication date, but the perils of prediction bite her, with the line by one of the 1950s children "Woolworths, it's still here".But thats not a criticism of this first class novel.

An enjoyable story, written in an easy-to-read, entertaining and enthusiastic style. It is a suspenseful adventure.Removed 1 star because of some implausible, crass behaviour (e.g. facial piercing scene), and because the author rather suggests that scientists are not "creative types" -- this could hardly be farther from the truth! Nevertheless, I shall try another book by the same author.

This really is a fun book with so many twists and turns. I rode on nostalgia and delighted in the PC horror of Ben and Rachel's reactions to Polly and Freddy's language and behaviour.It was a very exciting story and even as a 55 year old under-graduate I could not put the book down until I knew everyone was safe.Wonderful comedy, tight plot and readable for boys and girls who enjoy a ripping,good yarn.

I was looking for a book to read to my Year 5 class and came across this book. I'm so glad I did. It's brilliant and even as an adult I struggled to put it down!It tells the story of Polly and Freddy who have been frozen in time and wake up 53 years later after being discovered by Rachel and Ben. We read all of their adventures together. All of the chapters end with a cliffhanger. The end was especially gripping.I can't wait to read this with my class - I know they're going to absolutely love it. I'll be now looking at the other Ali Sparkes books to read.

My 11 year old daughter read this just after reading the Hunger Games trilogy. Although completely different to Hunger Games, she did find this book to be just as entertaining. The premise of current days kids digging up a "frozen in time" pair from the 1950's had her engrossed for hours - especially the 50's Enid Blyton style dialogue (hence the review title she contributed!)Perfect for 10 to 13 year olds who are reading, or have read, the likes of Skullduggery etc.

Nicely written book for young teens. Fascinating idea and interesting development. Nice if unconvincing ending.

My 12 year old son says: 'It is a great read. It is amusing and funny and it makes you think about what you would do if you were in the same situation.' Mum is looking forward to reading it too after finishing the author's Shapeshifter series which are hard to put down too. Recommended for good readers in upper primary and adults who like this genre too.