Cousins in the Time of Magic

November 18, 2024
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.

December 15, 2024
Three cousins from Miami are magically transported back in time. Siggy, Camila, and Jorge couldn't be more different--Siggy is an aspiring influencer, Camila is a daydreaming bookworm, and Jorge is a bold adventurer. But they share T�a X�a, their history-loving aunt. When Jorge spots T�a X�a with a "diamond-encrusted sword," he wants answers, but he, Siggy, and Camila just have more questions when they stumble through a portal in T�a X�a's front yard. They're transported back to 1862 Virginia, just before the Battle of Puebla, the reason Cinco de Mayo is celebrated today. To find their way home, the kids and their aunt must travel south to Mexico to deliver the magical sword to General Ignacio Zaragoza before May fifth. Heading south, they traverse their way through the ongoing U.S. Civil War and encounter Alfonso, a Cuban American drummer boy in the Union Army, Oscar, an enslaved boy, and Pascuala, an Indigenous girl who speaks Nahuatl and is supporting the Mexican Army. The original plot, historical setting, and fantasy elements are compelling, and the themes about understanding your heritage and taking pride in who you are will resonate with Latine readers especially. Otheguy also thoughtfully explores politics, ethics, family, and morality. Bernatene's accomplished illustrations scattered throughout provide readers with visuals that will help guide their imaginations. A high-stakes story that provides historical facts and intriguing magic wrapped up in one exciting quest. (historical notes, glossary, further reading, bibliography)(Adventure. 8-12)

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January 1, 2025
Grades 3-6 At first glance, Tia Xia seems like a neglectful babysitter to her niece and two nephews, but she can actually travel through time. The cousins soon find themselves transported back to 1862 when two events are happening simultaneously: the Civil War in the U.S. and the Battle of Puebla in Mexico. Traveling by boat and hot-air balloon, the children make friends along the way and aid not only in the rescue of their aunt but also in the delivery of a special sword to General Ignacio Zaragoza. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, this historical action-adventure tale reads like a blend of Rodman Philbrick's The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (2009) and Treasure Island. Extensive back matter includes important information about the true origins of Cinco de Mayo, helpful notes about which parts of the historical fiction stem from reality (e.g., the sword is real!), a glossary, a bibliography, and a list for further reading. There is quite a bit to learn here about Cinco de Mayo and readers will find Otheguy successful both as an author and a historian.

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