Adventure in the City of Stories (Cousins in the Time of Magic)
Emma Otheguy
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published July 21, 2026
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About Adventure in the City of Stories
When stolen artifacts magically appear in their aunt’s closet, cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy travel back in time to 1930 New York City to clear her name before history is irreparably altered in this companion to the “spellbinding” (School Library Journal, starred review) Cousins in the Time of Magic.
Cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy never imagined that dusty old puppets and a mysterious book would launch them into a time-traveling adventure. But when they discover their aunt has treasures belonging to Pura Belpré, the trailblazing Latina librarian and storyteller, they’re transported back to 1930s New York City. Their mission? Race against time to return Pura’s puppets and a signed first edition of her book, proving their aunt isn’t a thief.
The past is full of danger, though. A powerful woman will stop at nothing to steal the book, the cousins’ nosy neighbor is snooping around, and the hardship of the Great Depression is all around them. Luckily Jorge, Camila, and Siggy meet Antonia, a fierce Puerto Rican girl fighting injustice against her community.
The cousins will need courage, quick thinking, and a little help from history to protect Pura Belpré’s legacy, clear their aunt’s name, and make it back home. Can they pull it off before time runs out?
My Review
This clever series introduces readers to past Latine heroes through the eyes of a trio of modern kids who travel back in time with their eccentric aunt. The first book takes readers back to the battle that led to the reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo today. In this new adventure, the characters visit New York City in 1930 and meet librarian Pura Belpré.
The cast of characters is engaging, and though the story includes adult characters, the action primarily centers around the young narrators. The story explores what it means to be an American, especially a Puerto Rican American, making this a welcome addition to middle grade literature.
The story itself is less than 200 pages, making this a good choice for readers stepping into middle grade from shorter chapter books. Readers graduating from the “Magic Tree House” series will enjoy the familiar time-traveling mechanics of the plot.
All in all, this series is a lot of fun. I’m so glad to see the adventure continue.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 8 to 11.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.
Romance/Sexual Content
None.
Spiritual Content
Characters can travel through time via magical boats. At one point, characters make a wish and blow out a candle to complete another bit of magic.
Violent Content
Situations of peril. Brief (age-appropriate) references to a historical war/invasion. Racist comments and microaggressions. (These are called out as harmful and wrong.)
Drug Content
None.
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