Based on Dave’s own middle school experiences, the main character, Dave, moves to a new middle school and has to start all over trying to establish his “cool-factor”. He is not very successful initially. Eventually, he and a science lab partner build a time machine and he tests it out. The results allow him to learn from his mistakes and get a do-over – sort of. Poignant and real, students will be able to relate to many of Dave’s experiences and will perhaps find ways out of their own struggles. I did find the exaggerated leadership trophy scene a bit over-the-top, but liked the subtle empathy he finds in the parking lot afterwards.  Illustrations are all in calm, neutral blue tones, but the drawings are full of energy and humor. I also liked the occasional page that appears to be doodles on notebook paper. Included at the end is a short author biography that draws comparisons between the fictional Dave and the real one.  Overall, a solid, must-have in a middle school library.