Cousins in the Time of Magic by Emma Otheguy

What worked:

The book presents three cousins with contrasting personalities. Readers are immediately introduced to Jorge’s risk-taking when he accepts a neighbor’s dare to climb onto his garage roof and do a handstand. Camila is more logical and likes to follow the rules. However, she silently dreams of having a magical adventure and that’s exactly what happens in the story. Siggy is the oldest but he’s more concerned about adding to his podcast followers and advertisers than doing anything to support his cousins. Everyone, including Tia Xia, knows the neighbor boy is an arrogant, self-centered snob but Siggy hopes to enter his inner circle and become a bigger influencer. Siggy and Camila’s personalities undergo the biggest transformations as the plot unfolds.

The kids are transported back to Virginia in 1862 where they’re deposited into the middle of the Civil War. Factual information about this period is shared including Old Ironside trying to shoot them out of the water when they first appear. Slavery during this time is described as the characters encounter a young boy who’s separated from his father. However, the role of Latinos during this time isn’t commonly shared in historical writings and the author makes it a large point of this book. The setting shifts to Mexico where the citizens are waging their own battle against a French invasion. This Mexican conflict isn’t commonly known, probably because the U.S. Civil War overshadows it. The Civil War helped to free slaves but the plot stresses that freedom must be everywhere.

The book shares information about U.S. and Mexican history and the author includes sections in the back to help. First, there’s an “Author’s Note” where she provides information and stories related to the Mexican conflict and Latinos during this time period. Then, there’s a section called “Special Notes” where she describes people and terms that are mentioned in the story. A glossary follows that where the vocabulary used is obviously defined. The author provides additional books for those interested in further reading and a bibliography is provided to identify sources of information used in the story.  

What didn’t work as well:

The transition of characters from 160 years in the future is a bit too smooth. Camila immediately thinks she’s traveled back in time and her cousins aren’t shocked about the realization. Kids from the past are surprised when they meet Jorge and his cousins but they quickly accept time travel and go on like nothing strange is happening.

The final verdict:

The book presents an interesting perspective on Latino influence in North American history. Factual information is blended into an exciting adventure set during a defining moment in the United States.  Overall, I recommend you give this first book in the new series a shot.