Cousins in the Time of Magic

Three cousins get transported back to 1862 to play an important role in the Battle of Puebla, the reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo today, in this "spellbinding" (School Library Journal, starred review) middle grade fantasy adventure.

History is alive with magic. That's what zany Tía Xia is always telling cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy. Daredevil Jorge couldn't be more different than his cousins: Camila is a dreamer who adores animals and Siggy is an aspiring influencer who always has an exclusive party to attend. And their aunt has many secrets, including a mysterious diamond-encrusted sword that Jorge definitely wasn't supposed to see.

But when the three stumble upon a time portal in their aunt's yard, they are transported back to 1862, a past filled with wonders--and dangers. To return to the present, they must race to deliver the sword to General Ignacio Zaragoza in time for the historic Battle of Puebla in Mexico: the foundation of the holiday Cinco de Mayo.

As their journey to Mexico takes them through the Civil War-era United States, the cousins see just how much US history has been shaped by Latin communities. They must find the power within themselves to make sure things happen as they're supposed to, without altering the past.

Author: Emma Otheguy
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 02/25/2025
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781665915182
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.2
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 553325 / Cousins in the Time of Magic


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 11/18/2024
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2024
Booklist 01/01/2025 pg. 76
School Library Journal 04/18/2025 pg. 1
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2025 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Emma Otheguy is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture books A Sled for Gabo and Martina Has Too Many Tías, the bilingual picture book Martí's Song for Freedom, and the middle grade novels Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene, Cousins in the Time of Magic, Silver Meadows Summer, and, with Adam Gidwitz, The Madre de Aguas of Cuba, part of the Unicorn Rescue Society series. Visit her at EmmaOtheguy.com.

Poly Bernatene was born in 1972 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has been drawing ever since. He graduated from Buenos Aires's art school, where he developed a great interest in managing different techniques in his work. He has worked in advertisement, animation, and comics. During the last fifteen years, he has established an exciting career as a professional illustrator, having published more than sixty children's books in eleven countries.