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Queso, Just in Time
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Pura Belpré Award-winning author Ernesto Cisneros takes readers “back to the future” in this time-travel tale about family, grief, and love that stretches across the years.
Quetzalcóatl Castillo—Queso for short—has had an ache in his heart that won’t go away ever since his father’s death. More than anything, he wishes he could spend time with his dad again.
After whispering that wish one night under the light of the moon, Queso wakes up the next morning in 1985. With twelve-year-old Pancho—the kid who will grow up to be his dad.
Even though he has no idea what to do, Queso is just happy to be by his dad’s side again. But while Pancho is confident when scoring on the foosball table or standing up to bullies, he doesn’t think he’s smart enough to reach for his dreams.
If only Pancho believed in himself the way Queso does, who knows what his story could be?
Quetzalcóatl Castillo—Queso for short—has had an ache in his heart that won’t go away ever since his father’s death. More than anything, he wishes he could spend time with his dad again.
After whispering that wish one night under the light of the moon, Queso wakes up the next morning in 1985. With twelve-year-old Pancho—the kid who will grow up to be his dad.
Even though he has no idea what to do, Queso is just happy to be by his dad’s side again. But while Pancho is confident when scoring on the foosball table or standing up to bullies, he doesn’t think he’s smart enough to reach for his dreams.
If only Pancho believed in himself the way Queso does, who knows what his story could be?
- GenresMiddle GradeFiction
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 10, 2026
2 people are currently reading
3009 people want to read
About the author
Ernesto Cisneros
6 books253 followersErnesto Cisneros is a veteran English teacher currently serving the colorful city of Santa Ana, California. He holds an English degree from the University of California, Irvine; a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach; as well as a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from National University.
Whenever his knees will allow it, he enjoys playing basketball, running, and swimming. He likes to read contemporary books with realistic characters and meaningful storylines full of heart. He is an avid music and ketchup lover, and he still follows the Lakers—even post Kobe.
As a writer, he believes in providing today’s youth with honest depictions of characters with whom they can identify. He believes the real world is filled with amazing people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His work strives to reflect and bring those stories to life. He latest book, EFRÉN DIVIDED is scheduled for release in 2020 by Harpercollins.
Whenever his knees will allow it, he enjoys playing basketball, running, and swimming. He likes to read contemporary books with realistic characters and meaningful storylines full of heart. He is an avid music and ketchup lover, and he still follows the Lakers—even post Kobe.
As a writer, he believes in providing today’s youth with honest depictions of characters with whom they can identify. He believes the real world is filled with amazing people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His work strives to reflect and bring those stories to life. He latest book, EFRÉN DIVIDED is scheduled for release in 2020 by Harpercollins.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 7, 2025
4.5 stars
I truly love Ernesto Cisneros's work, and this most recent middle grade novel is no exception. It's a real gem.
Queso is having a rough time dealing with the tragic loss of his father. He gets an unusual opportunity when a bunny with an absolutely stellar name shows up, and Queso suddenly finds himself...in 1985!!!!!
Now many of us have probably considered what it would be like to meet early versions of our parents (thanks, Doc!), but Queso has one of the best reasons for getting to do so. When Queso comes across his much younger father in this alternate timeline, Queso's heart - and mine and yours! - explode/s. It's the most fulfilling encounter, and it's also heartbreaking.
As is always the case in his works, Cisneros does not shy away from challenging but real issues, and he has an exceptional knack for presenting these in an age appropriate manner (because we teachers MUST know our audience). So many young readers will benefit from delving into Queso's relationship with his dad and with loss. But, in true Cisneros fashion, there's a remarkably hopeful element here as well as some much needed humor. Queso learns a lot about himself, and he teaches a lot to his readers (and to the socially and technologically well intentioned but less informed folks of 1985. Memories!).
I really enjoyed this book and will continue to devour all of Cisneros's content.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I truly love Ernesto Cisneros's work, and this most recent middle grade novel is no exception. It's a real gem.
Queso is having a rough time dealing with the tragic loss of his father. He gets an unusual opportunity when a bunny with an absolutely stellar name shows up, and Queso suddenly finds himself...in 1985!!!!!
Now many of us have probably considered what it would be like to meet early versions of our parents (thanks, Doc!), but Queso has one of the best reasons for getting to do so. When Queso comes across his much younger father in this alternate timeline, Queso's heart - and mine and yours! - explode/s. It's the most fulfilling encounter, and it's also heartbreaking.
As is always the case in his works, Cisneros does not shy away from challenging but real issues, and he has an exceptional knack for presenting these in an age appropriate manner (because we teachers MUST know our audience). So many young readers will benefit from delving into Queso's relationship with his dad and with loss. But, in true Cisneros fashion, there's a remarkably hopeful element here as well as some much needed humor. Queso learns a lot about himself, and he teaches a lot to his readers (and to the socially and technologically well intentioned but less informed folks of 1985. Memories!).
I really enjoyed this book and will continue to devour all of Cisneros's content.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Richie’s Picks: QUESO, JUST IN TIME by Ernesto Cisneros, HarperCollins/QuillTree, March 2026, 272p., ISBN: 978-0-06-309224-2
“Tell me, doctor
Where are we going this time?
Is this the fifties?
Or nineteen ninety-nine?
– Huey Lewis and the News, “Back in Time” (1985)
“There’s a honk outside. It’s Queso Sr., getting a bit antsy.
Pancho and I hurry outside. I take his lead and jump into the bed of Queso Sr.’s white pickup truck–a Datsun model I’ve never heard of.
Pancho gestures for me to sit back against the rear window facing the tailgate. I check for seatbelts or handgrips…anything I can hold onto on the drive. Only there’s nothing. ¡Nada! Did people really ride around in the back like this? Was safety not yet invented?
I decide to tough it out. The whole ride to school is a bit bumpy and windy–really windy. Pancho’s hair is all fluffed up. So is mine, I bet. And to make matters worse, each pothole is a sharp pain in the butt, literally.
Still though…I gotta admit, it’s kind of fun, too. Kind of like riding in a convertible.
Queso Sr. makes his way down Fifth Street. It’s a lot like the version of the neighborhood that I know, only with way more shops and restaurants and lots and lots of tagging.
Splurgeon (eventually to be rebranded as Romero-Cruz Academy) is surrounded by kids standing around in everyday street clothes–not uniforms like we have in my time. And by street clothes, I’m talking mostly baggy khakis, high-wasted jeans, and unbuttoned flannel shirts. They somehow look more grown-up, tougher, like they could mess me up if they wanted to.
I suddenly remember when Dad mentioned the school had to close down because the teachers all walked out and filed a formal complaint because of the ‘hostile work environment.’
I think back to the guys at the Salvador Rec Center. About the things that Dad told me about the way he grew up.
About the neighborhood gangs.
About the weekly shootings. Some by car. Some on foot.
About the drug dealers.
About the police!
I look over at Pancho and just about confess everything to him–including the time-travel stuff. Only I stop when he looks back at me, smiling.
Something I never got to see enough in my timeline.
Suddenly, I’m not all that concerned about any of that.”
Twelve-year-old Queso (Quetzalcóatl Castillo Anguiano) is a sweet kid who has been depressed over not having had more time with his now-dead father. Given that desire, and with the apparent assistance of a cute wild bunny who shows up in his backyard treehouse–which was built a generation ago by his father (Pancho) and grandfather (Queso Sr.)--Queso takes a nap and regains consciousness in 1985, when his father was twelve like Queso is.
Here are ten great songs from 1985 that Queso would have been hearing back there:
A-Ha -- Take on Me
Dire Straits -- Money for Nothing
John Mellencamp -- Small Town
Joni Mitchell -- Good Friends
Sting -- Set them Free
Suzanne Vega -- Undertow
Tears for Fears -- Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Whitney Houston -- Saving All My Love
Bangles -- Walk Like an Egyptian
Prince and the Revolution -- Raspberry Beret
He and his father soon cross paths and immediately connect. Despite the similarity in his and his father’s appearances, Queso successfully hides his real identity from his father, and then from his grandparents, who he gets to know again, when his then-tween father brings his new friend Queso home. Explaining to them that he is currently parentless, Queso is invited to spend time living in “his” house, in 1985, back when it was new, back when it was his father and grandparents living in it. Queso also gets enrolled at his father’s school (which, a generation later, had been Queso’s school)..
The big question is: Whether accidentally or purposely, when Queso does something in 1985 that alters events that his father has told Queso about, back in Queso’s timeline, will it actually change the family history that Queso has learned from his father while growing up? And will Queso ever successfully return to his own time?
Today’s teens will be startled and thoroughly amused by the major changes Queso observes in 1985 relating to technology, media, popular culture, and his hometown.
QUESO, JUST IN TIME is a fun and thought-provoking read. I encourage tweens to pull up YouTube, and watch the related music video, so they know how to properly Walk Like an Egyptian. Then I would urge them to head down to the library–ancient Egyptian style–and check out this thoroughly modern time-travel tale.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Tell me, doctor
Where are we going this time?
Is this the fifties?
Or nineteen ninety-nine?
– Huey Lewis and the News, “Back in Time” (1985)
“There’s a honk outside. It’s Queso Sr., getting a bit antsy.
Pancho and I hurry outside. I take his lead and jump into the bed of Queso Sr.’s white pickup truck–a Datsun model I’ve never heard of.
Pancho gestures for me to sit back against the rear window facing the tailgate. I check for seatbelts or handgrips…anything I can hold onto on the drive. Only there’s nothing. ¡Nada! Did people really ride around in the back like this? Was safety not yet invented?
I decide to tough it out. The whole ride to school is a bit bumpy and windy–really windy. Pancho’s hair is all fluffed up. So is mine, I bet. And to make matters worse, each pothole is a sharp pain in the butt, literally.
Still though…I gotta admit, it’s kind of fun, too. Kind of like riding in a convertible.
Queso Sr. makes his way down Fifth Street. It’s a lot like the version of the neighborhood that I know, only with way more shops and restaurants and lots and lots of tagging.
Splurgeon (eventually to be rebranded as Romero-Cruz Academy) is surrounded by kids standing around in everyday street clothes–not uniforms like we have in my time. And by street clothes, I’m talking mostly baggy khakis, high-wasted jeans, and unbuttoned flannel shirts. They somehow look more grown-up, tougher, like they could mess me up if they wanted to.
I suddenly remember when Dad mentioned the school had to close down because the teachers all walked out and filed a formal complaint because of the ‘hostile work environment.’
I think back to the guys at the Salvador Rec Center. About the things that Dad told me about the way he grew up.
About the neighborhood gangs.
About the weekly shootings. Some by car. Some on foot.
About the drug dealers.
About the police!
I look over at Pancho and just about confess everything to him–including the time-travel stuff. Only I stop when he looks back at me, smiling.
Something I never got to see enough in my timeline.
Suddenly, I’m not all that concerned about any of that.”
Twelve-year-old Queso (Quetzalcóatl Castillo Anguiano) is a sweet kid who has been depressed over not having had more time with his now-dead father. Given that desire, and with the apparent assistance of a cute wild bunny who shows up in his backyard treehouse–which was built a generation ago by his father (Pancho) and grandfather (Queso Sr.)--Queso takes a nap and regains consciousness in 1985, when his father was twelve like Queso is.
Here are ten great songs from 1985 that Queso would have been hearing back there:
A-Ha -- Take on Me
Dire Straits -- Money for Nothing
John Mellencamp -- Small Town
Joni Mitchell -- Good Friends
Sting -- Set them Free
Suzanne Vega -- Undertow
Tears for Fears -- Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Whitney Houston -- Saving All My Love
Bangles -- Walk Like an Egyptian
Prince and the Revolution -- Raspberry Beret
He and his father soon cross paths and immediately connect. Despite the similarity in his and his father’s appearances, Queso successfully hides his real identity from his father, and then from his grandparents, who he gets to know again, when his then-tween father brings his new friend Queso home. Explaining to them that he is currently parentless, Queso is invited to spend time living in “his” house, in 1985, back when it was new, back when it was his father and grandparents living in it. Queso also gets enrolled at his father’s school (which, a generation later, had been Queso’s school)..
The big question is: Whether accidentally or purposely, when Queso does something in 1985 that alters events that his father has told Queso about, back in Queso’s timeline, will it actually change the family history that Queso has learned from his father while growing up? And will Queso ever successfully return to his own time?
Today’s teens will be startled and thoroughly amused by the major changes Queso observes in 1985 relating to technology, media, popular culture, and his hometown.
QUESO, JUST IN TIME is a fun and thought-provoking read. I encourage tweens to pull up YouTube, and watch the related music video, so they know how to properly Walk Like an Egyptian. Then I would urge them to head down to the library–ancient Egyptian style–and check out this thoroughly modern time-travel tale.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
December 12, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Quetzalcóatl Castillo, known as Queso, lives with his mother in Orange County, California. He's having a hard time after his father's death, especially now that his grandmother has moved back to Mexico. He really likes his school, especially his teacher Mr. Gleason and the energetic librarian, Ms. Maldonado, and has two best friends, Martín, and Marisol, who has recently changed pronouns to they/them with the support of their grandparents. Still, even though he's been in therapy, he constantly wishes he had more time with his father before he was shot by an intruder in their back yard. One night, he can't sleep and goes out to the treehouse that his father built. He finds a rabbit, and falls asleep cuddling "Horchata". When he wakes up, things are off. The house looks newer, and when he sees some delivering a newspaper he finds out that it is March 1, 1985! He literally runs into his father, Pancho, who is also 12. Queso introduces himself as Tajín (a commercial spice blend that was not readily available in the 1980s), and Pancho takes him back so that his mother, Queso's beloved grandmother, can bandage his leg. Queso also gets to meet his namesake, his grandfather who died when he was very young. There are questions about why Queso doesn't call home, and the Castillo's end up not only letting him stay with them but also enroll him in Pancho's school as his cousin from Mexico, saying that many students lack documentation. He meets Lucy, a girl who is at the library looking for books with gay representation, only to find that those books are filed under "Abnormal Psychology", and tries to broaden understanding in his school. Mainly, he enjoys spending time with his father in a completely different time period. Eventually, he realizes that he has to return to his mother, and finds the strength to do so after talking to his grandfather.
Strengths: I'm really surprised that there aren't more middle grade novels involving meeting parents as children because it's such an interesting idea! Queso is able to see how things were different in the past, especially when it came to treatment of people who identify on LGBTQIA+ spectrum and for people of color, and there's lots of good information about books, libraries, and librarians. There's an especially delightful twist at the end, and I would bet money that Ms. Maldonado is named after author Torrey Maldonado! It's a lot of fun that Pancho lived in the same house that Queso currently lives in, and there are so many feel good moments about the interactions that Queso has with his family. His visit to the past also has some positive effects on the present, since he encouraged Pancho and provided some coping skills for studying, although he is not able to prevent his father's death. Fans of this author's Falling Short and Efrén Divided will be glad to see this new title, which has a fabulous cover.
Weaknesses: I wish we had seen a little bit more about Queso's life in the present day, perhaps with more of his grandmother. In 1985, I wish there had been a few more details about daily life, although there are a decent number. Today's children really can't grasp how different the world was then. I would have enjoyed this more if the Queso had been fighting with his father, but came to a new understanding about him while in 1985 that improved their relationship, because the dead parent trope is just never my favorite.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Page's Rewind or Welford's Time Traveling with a Hamster. There's another book (author right around Connor, published before 2005) where a book travels back in time and meets his mother that I recently weeded and can't remember. Argh!
Quetzalcóatl Castillo, known as Queso, lives with his mother in Orange County, California. He's having a hard time after his father's death, especially now that his grandmother has moved back to Mexico. He really likes his school, especially his teacher Mr. Gleason and the energetic librarian, Ms. Maldonado, and has two best friends, Martín, and Marisol, who has recently changed pronouns to they/them with the support of their grandparents. Still, even though he's been in therapy, he constantly wishes he had more time with his father before he was shot by an intruder in their back yard. One night, he can't sleep and goes out to the treehouse that his father built. He finds a rabbit, and falls asleep cuddling "Horchata". When he wakes up, things are off. The house looks newer, and when he sees some delivering a newspaper he finds out that it is March 1, 1985! He literally runs into his father, Pancho, who is also 12. Queso introduces himself as Tajín (a commercial spice blend that was not readily available in the 1980s), and Pancho takes him back so that his mother, Queso's beloved grandmother, can bandage his leg. Queso also gets to meet his namesake, his grandfather who died when he was very young. There are questions about why Queso doesn't call home, and the Castillo's end up not only letting him stay with them but also enroll him in Pancho's school as his cousin from Mexico, saying that many students lack documentation. He meets Lucy, a girl who is at the library looking for books with gay representation, only to find that those books are filed under "Abnormal Psychology", and tries to broaden understanding in his school. Mainly, he enjoys spending time with his father in a completely different time period. Eventually, he realizes that he has to return to his mother, and finds the strength to do so after talking to his grandfather.
Strengths: I'm really surprised that there aren't more middle grade novels involving meeting parents as children because it's such an interesting idea! Queso is able to see how things were different in the past, especially when it came to treatment of people who identify on LGBTQIA+ spectrum and for people of color, and there's lots of good information about books, libraries, and librarians. There's an especially delightful twist at the end, and I would bet money that Ms. Maldonado is named after author Torrey Maldonado! It's a lot of fun that Pancho lived in the same house that Queso currently lives in, and there are so many feel good moments about the interactions that Queso has with his family. His visit to the past also has some positive effects on the present, since he encouraged Pancho and provided some coping skills for studying, although he is not able to prevent his father's death. Fans of this author's Falling Short and Efrén Divided will be glad to see this new title, which has a fabulous cover.
Weaknesses: I wish we had seen a little bit more about Queso's life in the present day, perhaps with more of his grandmother. In 1985, I wish there had been a few more details about daily life, although there are a decent number. Today's children really can't grasp how different the world was then. I would have enjoyed this more if the Queso had been fighting with his father, but came to a new understanding about him while in 1985 that improved their relationship, because the dead parent trope is just never my favorite.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Page's Rewind or Welford's Time Traveling with a Hamster. There's another book (author right around Connor, published before 2005) where a book travels back in time and meets his mother that I recently weeded and can't remember. Argh!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Imagine my delight in thinking this is simply a time travel family story (which I enjoyed), but then seeing some very pointed messages in here about the importance of diverse books in young peoples' lives and a very strong message against book bans. Loved it! Honestly I would expect nothing less from Ernesto Cisneros, who always balances heartwarming family stories with strong political messages.
But first, the time travel! Present day Queso travels back in time to the 1980s. To his surprise and delight, he befriends his own dad, who is the same age he is now. This is especially meaningful because in the present timeline, Queso's dad passed away, and Queso is still mourning him. Queso also gets to spend time with his grandparents, including his grandfather Queso Sr., who seems to know more than lets on. Of course with the time travel there are some fantastical mythology elements tied back to ancient Mexican culture, including the origins of their shared name, Quetzalcóatl.
The 1980s touches were perfection. Yes, yes, we all had way too much sugar in our drinks and cereal back then. (I related way too much, Pop Tarts were my breakfast staple in the 80s). Times were tougher, especially for minorities and LGBTQ+ kids. There are themes of racism and lack of diversity explored, especially when Queso experiences first hand that libraries didn't have much diversity back then. He worried about his dad and other kids not being able to find themselves in books, which is such an important thing for kids today, and I'm so glad diverse books like this exist!
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely. Time travel books are always so satisfying to read. Recommended for ages 9+.
But first, the time travel! Present day Queso travels back in time to the 1980s. To his surprise and delight, he befriends his own dad, who is the same age he is now. This is especially meaningful because in the present timeline, Queso's dad passed away, and Queso is still mourning him. Queso also gets to spend time with his grandparents, including his grandfather Queso Sr., who seems to know more than lets on. Of course with the time travel there are some fantastical mythology elements tied back to ancient Mexican culture, including the origins of their shared name, Quetzalcóatl.
The 1980s touches were perfection. Yes, yes, we all had way too much sugar in our drinks and cereal back then. (I related way too much, Pop Tarts were my breakfast staple in the 80s). Times were tougher, especially for minorities and LGBTQ+ kids. There are themes of racism and lack of diversity explored, especially when Queso experiences first hand that libraries didn't have much diversity back then. He worried about his dad and other kids not being able to find themselves in books, which is such an important thing for kids today, and I'm so glad diverse books like this exist!
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely. Time travel books are always so satisfying to read. Recommended for ages 9+.
November 3, 2025
Queso, Just in Time is now one of my favorite books! I truly enjoyed reading this book as I went on a journey with young Queso. His character went through many emotions and experiences which granted him a new perspective on life. His positive outlook on life and pride in his family, friendships, and community are inspiring. I would recommend this book to all ages, Elementary, Middle, Highschool students and even Adults would be able to appreciate the journey while making connections of their own while reading about Love, Loss, Friendship, Adventure, Family, Culture, Community, Diversity, Appreciation for Life and Time, and so much more...
My heart was full of joy and hope after I finished reading this book. I would like to Thank the Author, Ernesto Cisneros for recognizing the Library as a safe and welcoming place to visit while reminding us of the importance of diverse books to reflect our diverse readers. I agree, it is important to appreciate the many windows and mirrors books can offer to all, especially at the library! Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring others to appreciate life in the present, future, and past.
I can't wait until this book is available in libraries so others may enjoy it as well!
My heart was full of joy and hope after I finished reading this book. I would like to Thank the Author, Ernesto Cisneros for recognizing the Library as a safe and welcoming place to visit while reminding us of the importance of diverse books to reflect our diverse readers. I agree, it is important to appreciate the many windows and mirrors books can offer to all, especially at the library! Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring others to appreciate life in the present, future, and past.
I can't wait until this book is available in libraries so others may enjoy it as well!
October 26, 2025
12yo Queso Castillo is mourning his dad's death. More than anything, he wishes he could spend more time with him. Then, making a wish on a cool looking moon, Queso wakes up the next morning to find it's 1985 and he's at his dad's childhood home. His grandparents are young and his dad is 12. He makes up some pretty believable lies, and soon, he's enrolled at Pancho's school (as his cousin from Mexico) and he begins to see the dad he never knew.
A thoughtful story about family and grief. I really liked the premise, however, I guess in the 80's it was OK to take a random runaway into your home for a week or so? Queso's grandparents were good people. I loved that Cisneros didn't focus too much on pop culture - music, movies, clothes, but more on the changes (hopefully for the better) in teaching styles, educational expectations, and recognition of diversity. I liked that Queso tried to encourage his dad to do better, and have more faith in himself. I can certainly recommend. Contains some brief conversations in Spanish - not translated but context is provided.
A thoughtful story about family and grief. I really liked the premise, however, I guess in the 80's it was OK to take a random runaway into your home for a week or so? Queso's grandparents were good people. I loved that Cisneros didn't focus too much on pop culture - music, movies, clothes, but more on the changes (hopefully for the better) in teaching styles, educational expectations, and recognition of diversity. I liked that Queso tried to encourage his dad to do better, and have more faith in himself. I can certainly recommend. Contains some brief conversations in Spanish - not translated but context is provided.
November 8, 2025
This book is just as great as Ernesto Cisneros' other title he has written. It is funny, and sad, and such a great representation of what a child goes through when their parent has PTSD. As someone whose dad is retired Army and who served in several wars during his service, I truly saw myself reflected in Queso. I was lucky enough for my dad to work through the worst of his PTSD, but this is an incredibly impactful read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In a story similar to Rewind by Lisa Graff, Queso goes back in time to meet his dad as a kid. He learns a lot and mostly gets to spend time with his dad who is not alive in his present day.
The ending is maybe a little too feel-good with a We Need Diverse Books message that I agree with but found to be presented in a way that sounded more like an adult voice, and I wonder what kids would have to say about it.
Overall I still enjoyed this very heartfelt father/son story with a dash of magic sprinkled in.
The ending is maybe a little too feel-good with a We Need Diverse Books message that I agree with but found to be presented in a way that sounded more like an adult voice, and I wonder what kids would have to say about it.
Overall I still enjoyed this very heartfelt father/son story with a dash of magic sprinkled in.
August 6, 2025
This was a sweet, travel-back-in-time story about a boy wishing he knew his father better. And one night on a full moon, his wish is granted. Themes of grief, identity, family, Mexican-American culture, and the courage to believe in yourself are explored here. Nice little heart-warming plot twist at the end will put a smile on your face. Loved this book so much!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love the inclusivity in this middle grade novel!
This story made me miss my dad oh so much. If only I could go back in time and hang out with him in his younger years, even if just to get a little bit more time with him… what a magical thought.
I’d also love to see my grandparents in their younger years; so much to think about. :-)
This story made me miss my dad oh so much. If only I could go back in time and hang out with him in his younger years, even if just to get a little bit more time with him… what a magical thought.
I’d also love to see my grandparents in their younger years; so much to think about. :-)
July 18, 2025
Very funny and sweet time travel story about a boy who is transported back in time to meet his dad in middle school. The nods to 80’s culture definitely brought me back, but the contrast between then and now resonated. There’s a nice little twist at the end that really warmed my heart.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews