Cousins in the Time of Magic
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
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 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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
After tumbling into an enormous clay pot in their tía Xia's front yard and happening upon a magical boat, Cuban and Mexican American cousins—daredevil Jorge, his responsible older sister Camila, and would-be social media influencer Siggy—are transported from present-day Miami to 1862 Virginia, where they learn that Tía Xia is a frequent time traveler. To return home, they must rendezvous with her in Mexico, a daring quest during which they outwit Confederate Army soldiers, borrow a hydrogen balloon, and play a pivotal role in the Battle of Puebla to ensure Mexico's independence. As the cousins navigate a treacherous, war-torn environment, they gain a new appreciation for their heritage and culture. This high-flying, fast-paced adventure by Otheguy (Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene) gleefully embraces and explores Latino history, particularly the intersection of Mexican and United States relations. Prose circumvents the grim reality of the trio's dangerous circumstances, maintaining an almost tongue-in-cheek playfulness and culminating in an accessible and entertaining look at the events that led to contemporary Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Atmospheric digital illustrations with a graphite feel by Bernatene (The Bookshop Girl) feature throughout. Ages 8–12. Author's agent: Adriana Dominguez, Aevitas Creative.
