History can sometimes be a tough sell to kids, especially in an age so centered on modernity: the latest fashions, the newest tech, and the most popular trending topics. However, in Emma Otheguy’s new book Cousins in the Time of Magic, primos Siggy, Camila, and Jorge don’t have much of a choice but to be invested in the past — they’re modern kids who are suddenly thrown through time and into an adventure that ties closely to history and their heritage. We recently sat down with Emma to talk about how deeply entwined Latinx and American history are and the importance of exploring this relationship with young readers.
About Emma Otheguy
Emma Otheguy (she/her/hers) 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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Emma! Let’s get started.
Can you tell us a little about the three cousins and the predicament that they find themselves in at the start of the book?
Siggy, Camila, and Jorge are three cousins who discover a magical sword and travel back in time to the year 1862. They lose the sword, their aunt is kidnapped, and in order to rescue her and recover the sword they encounter the Civil War in the United States and the Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo) in Mexico before returning to their own time.
The kids become witnesses — and even participants — in the Battle of Puebla, the event that originated the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Was there a reason that you wanted to explore this specific event from a firsthand perspective?
Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States. Virtually everyone here has heard of it or attended a party at some point, but almost no one knows what historical event it commemorates. Kids who read Cousins in the Time of Magic will learn what the Battle of Puebla looked and felt like and how the Mexican victory at Puebla helped defend freedom in the United States, too.
Along their journey, the cousins meet several young characters who are, in one way or another, affected by both the ongoing US Civil and Franco-Mexican Wars of the time. Why was it important to you as a storyteller to present military conflict from the eyes of children impacted by these wars?
Children are the most vulnerable people in a society — often the most hurt by wars and the ones who have to live in what’s left behind after wars. They deserve to know the real history.
Another focus of the novel is the impact that Latinx communities have had on the shaping of American history. What do you think the significance of bringing these forgotten histories to light could have for young readers, especially those who belong to Latinx communities themselves?
I hope everyone who reads my book walks away with an understanding that the United States and Latin America are intertwined, particularly in their efforts toward freedom and justice. Latinos have had an enormous influence on the history of the United States, and history teaches us that we solve our problems when we work with — not against — our Latin American neighbors.
Illustrator Poly Bernatene contributed some wonderful artwork to the book that helps readers place themselves in these potentially familiar settings yet unfamiliar times. Can you describe your collaborative process with Poly?
As I was working on research for the book, I collected historical images that I thought might be useful references for illustration, but mostly, Poly surprised me! His illustrations really help set the tone for the book — magical, historical, and a little bit playful.
Do you think Siggy, Camila, Jorge, and Tía Xía will go on any more historical adventures together? If so, where might they be headed next, or what event would you like them to bear witness to?
Yes! I am already working on a manuscript that takes them to meet some incredible Latino intellectual figures in history.
We always love to ask children’s authors about the books that inspired them as young readers. Are there any books or novels from your middle grade years that have stuck with you into adulthood?
Many! I was lucky as a kid to have access to a school library, a public library, and a home with books of my own (and books that I stole from my siblings, ha). The volume of books in my young life, the freedom I had to choose what I read, and the time I had to spend in libraries is a gift I think every kid deserves.
Lastly, in honor of Cousins in the Time of Magic, if you could travel back or forward to any point in time, would you? Where and when would you go?
Realistically, I wouldn’t want to travel back in time. I wouldn’t want to experience life without modern medicine and vaccinations, without electricity, and without central heat, just to name a few. But if I could travel in a bubble of modern conveniences, I would love to visit all the places and times my protagonists in Cousins in the Time of Magic do. They get to meet an awesome diversity of people who all contributed to the world we live in now. They are lucky!
A huge thank you to Emma for taking the time to talk with us about Cousins in the Time of Magic! Be sure to find her online at EmmaOtheguy.com, or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and Pinterest. Lastly, don’t forget to add Cousins in the Time of Magic to your family’s TBR list!
For more children’s books that celebrate Latinx culture and history, check out our article on Best Kids’ Books With Hispanic/Latinx Characters and Stories.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
