- Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
- Translator: Emily Carrero-Mustelier
- Publisher: Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
- Publication Date: July 21st, 2026
- ISBN English: 9781665915212
- ISBN Spanish: 9781665965804
- Ages: 8-12
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"“This fast-paced adventure has depth and cultural relevance, blending Latine history with timely themes about whose stories are valued. . . . A time-travel quest that honors the power of preserving and sharing stories.”" — Kirkus
About the book
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?
Praise for Adventure in the City of Stories:
- "“A fast-paced historical fantasy that skillfully blends time travel, 1930s Latine literary history, contemporary book banning, and longstanding racial, ethnic, and linguistic bias, strengthened by the author’s historical notes.”" — School Library Journal
- "“This fast-paced adventure has depth and cultural relevance, blending Latine history with timely themes about whose stories are valued. . . . A time-travel quest that honors the power of preserving and sharing stories.”" — Kirkus
