This new story becomes the second in the series following last year’s COUSINS IN THE TIME OF MAGIC. It can be read fine on its own as cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy are involved in a totally new adventure.

It begins when some old puppets and a book are discovered, Their aunt was in possession of the artifacts that really belong to Pura Belpré, the famous Latina librarian and storyteller. They go back in time to 1930’s New York City in hopes of returning the goods to Pura and proving that their aunt is not a thief.

Not an easy task, especially when they come against Mrs. Wilson, a know-it-all powerful woman. She hates anyone with a Puerto Rican heritage like the cousin’s new friend, Antonia. It’s a race against time and a thrilling one at that.

ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES celebrates the importance of sharing and valuing true stories whether in the present or past. Fantasy and historical fiction are expertly woven together in a compelling story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 21, 2026 PAGES:224

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES by Emma Otheguy

1. Black and white illustrations appear throughout and show the emotion in the faces of the characters. Well done accompaniments to the text.
2. The extensive back matter is not to be missed. The author givers more in-depth details about the reality of the times.
3. I did not know too much about the historical information presented in the story. That provided some thought provoking talks with a colleague who had also read the book. Great classroom discussion material.
4. The special bond between the cousins was memorable. They each had distinct personalities but were always helpful to each other, each using their own personalities and strengths to better a situation.
5. The treatment of Puerto Rican Americans during this time was often horrific. Reinforces the truth that one bad person in a population does not make the whole group bad. We are all Americans is the necessary outcome.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER SITES PARTICIPATING IN THIS WEEK’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!