Cousins in the Time of Magic
In the current-day United States, history-loving and sometimes eccentric Tía Xia is the aunt of three young cousins, Camila, Siggy, and Jorge. Camila tries to be the responsible one and relates fondly to other people and animals, Siggy hopes to become an internet entrepreneur, and Jorge is an exuberant adventurer. When the three stumble upon one of Tía Xia’s secrets, an elaborate sword, they unexpectedly find themselves transported back in time to 1862, a fascinating and dangerous period.
The cousins’ journey is circuitous. First, they land in a USA embroiled in a civil war where they are caught between Union and Confederate armies. Then, to return home again and find their aunt, they travel to Mexico in time for the battle of Puebla, where the Mexicans are fighting against the French for their independence. Along the way, they travel in a military hot-air balloon, experience magical Morse code, and observe that Siggy’s hair turns green during time travel. They dodge soldiers and kidnappers, get captured and escape, and finally deliver the secret for the Mexicans to defeat their enemy.
This is a historically illustrative, charming, and amusing book for young readers, who will relate to the dialogue and humorous exploits of the likeable cousins. My only nit was a slight tendency to occasional preachiness. As the cousins themselves declare at least twice in the book: “NO LECTURES!” The action, adventure and historical descriptions of places, people, and fast-paced events will be what readers remember. As the “Who” song says, “The kids are alright” and these time-traveling kids are a delight. Recommended for ages 8-12.
