Tuesday, July 21, 2026

ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES by Emma Otheguy w/ illustrations by Poly Bernatene

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.

ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES
Written by EMMA OTHEGUY and illustrated by POLY BERNATENE

Atheneum Books for Young Readers is excited to publish ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES from author Emma Otheguy and illustrator Poly Bernatene (on sale July 21, 2026). Our favorite time-traveling trio is back in this companion to the critically acclaimed middle-grade novel, Cousins in the Time of Magic. When stolen artifacts magically appear in their aunt's closet, Jorge, Camila, and Siggy must travel to 1930 New York City to clear her name before history is irreparably altered. Also available in hardcover and paperback Spanish editions!

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?

Purchase Adventure in the City of Stories English Edition from:
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Links to Spanish Edition on Amazon:
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Cousins in the Time of Magic Series:

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.

Places to find Emma Otheguy:

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 advertising, 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.

Places to find Poly Bernatene:

“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 Reviews

“The power of stories, both as a means of cultural preservation and of providing a sense of belonging, is at the core of this companion to Cousins in the Time of Magic ... It’s a must-read for any readers who enjoyed the first book and a good fit for upper elementary fantasy fans who have enjoyed the various Rick Riordan series.” – Youth Services Book Review

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