COUSINS IN THE TIME OF MAGIC, by Emma Otheguy and Poly Bernatene, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Feb. 25, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
Three cousins get transported back to 1862 to play an important role in the Battle of Puebla in Cousins in the Time of Magic, by Emma Otheguy and Poly Bernatene.
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. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Cousins in the Time of Magic is a middle-grade fantasy that will particularly resonate with a Latinx readers.
Given current relations between the United States and Mexico, children will find the origins of the Cinco de Mayo holiday and how it relates to the concurrent American Civil War fascinating.
Author Emma Otheguy focuses in relationships and the celebration of heritage through inviting text and an engaging storyline.
Cousins in the Time of Magic a time traveling adventure perfect for fans of the Ranger in Time series or readers who have outgrown the Magic Treehouse series.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
