What if history depended on you? That’s the high-stakes premise of Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy, with stunning illustrations by Poly Bernatene. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, this middle-grade adventure is a perfect mix of fantasy, action, and history, introducing readers to the true significance of Cinco de Mayo through time-traveling fun.
Thanks to Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the book and my honest review. Would you like the book? Be sure to enter my giveaway below.
Title: Cousins in the Time of Magic (PRIMOS EN TIEMPOS DE MAGIA)
Author: Emma Otheguy
Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Publisher: Antheneum Books for Young Readers
Synopsis:
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 enchanting 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.
Spanish edition:
My Review of "Cousins in the Time of Magic" by Emma Otheguy
Jorge, Camila, and Siggy are three cousins with very different personalities. Jorge is a daredevil, Camila is an animal-loving dreamer, and Siggy is a social media-obsessed aspiring influencer. But when their eccentric Tía Xia’s backyard hides a secret time portal, they’re all thrown into an adventure that’s bigger than any of them could have imagined.
Transported back to 1862, the cousins find themselves in the middle of one of the most pivotal moments in Mexican and U.S. history—the Battle of Puebla. Armed with a mysterious diamond-encrusted sword that could change the fate of the war, the trio must navigate a world of soldiers, spies, and historical figures like General Ignacio Zaragoza. If they fail to deliver the sword in time, history could be rewritten forever.
What Makes This Book Special
Otheguy, a historian with a PhD in colonial Latin America, infuses this story with incredible historical depth while keeping it fun and fast-paced. The book does more than just entertain—it teaches young readers about the crucial role Latinx figures played in shaping U.S. history.
Many children grow up thinking Cinco de Mayo is just about food and celebrations, but Cousins in the Time of Magic explains the real history behind the holiday. The Battle of Puebla wasn’t just a Mexican victory—it helped prevent French forces from supporting the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War, potentially altering the entire course of history. Otheguy presents these historical events in a way that’s both engaging and easy to understand for middle-grade readers.
Why Kids Will Love It
Adventure & Action: Time-traveling mishaps, daring escapes, and high-stakes missions make this a page-turner.
Relatable Characters: Jorge, Camila, and Siggy each bring their own unique skills (and hilarious mishaps) to the story, making them easy to connect with.
Fun & Educational: Readers absorb historical facts without even realizing it!
Perfect for Classrooms & Young History Buffs
With a rich backmatter section that includes an author’s note, a glossary, and additional resources, this book is a fantastic tool for educators. Whether used in lessons on Latinx history, U.S. history, or global history, it provides an engaging way to introduce young readers to real-world events.
Final Verdict: A 5-Star Read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this book! The mix of adventure and history kept me hooked, and I love when fiction helps bring historical events to life. Otheguy masterfully balances fact and fantasy, making Cousins in the Time of Magic an unforgettable read for young audiences. If you love The Magic Tree House but want something with more depth and excitement, this book is a must-read!
Highly recommended for kids, educators, and history lovers alike!
What is your favorite historical event you like to read about? Comment below!
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.
Giveaway:
One (1) hardcopy of the English edition of "Cousins in the Time of Magic" by Emma Otheguy. USA only, ends midnight EST on March 31, 2025.
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