
Queso, Just in Time
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?
"Cisneros has created another heartfelt middle grade tale centered around a devoted Mexican family, sprinkling the story with humor, empathy, LGBTQIA+ allyship, and Nahua folklore. Make space on the shelf for this tender and timely exploration of a family’s shared history and the lasting echoes of a parent’s love." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"The premise is gripping, and kind, considerate Queso is a relatable and well-developed lead. A hopeful, beautifully written page-turner." - Kirkus reviews (starred review)
"A tween receives a second chance to commune with his late father in this heartfelt time travel tale with Back to the Future flair. A gentle and thoughtful story brimming with familial love." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Hardcover. Suggested ages 8-12.
Queso, Just in Time
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?
"Cisneros has created another heartfelt middle grade tale centered around a devoted Mexican family, sprinkling the story with humor, empathy, LGBTQIA+ allyship, and Nahua folklore. Make space on the shelf for this tender and timely exploration of a family’s shared history and the lasting echoes of a parent’s love." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"The premise is gripping, and kind, considerate Queso is a relatable and well-developed lead. A hopeful, beautifully written page-turner." - Kirkus reviews (starred review)
"A tween receives a second chance to commune with his late father in this heartfelt time travel tale with Back to the Future flair. A gentle and thoughtful story brimming with familial love." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Hardcover. Suggested ages 8-12.
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Description
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?
"Cisneros has created another heartfelt middle grade tale centered around a devoted Mexican family, sprinkling the story with humor, empathy, LGBTQIA+ allyship, and Nahua folklore. Make space on the shelf for this tender and timely exploration of a family’s shared history and the lasting echoes of a parent’s love." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"The premise is gripping, and kind, considerate Queso is a relatable and well-developed lead. A hopeful, beautifully written page-turner." - Kirkus reviews (starred review)
"A tween receives a second chance to commune with his late father in this heartfelt time travel tale with Back to the Future flair. A gentle and thoughtful story brimming with familial love." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Hardcover. Suggested ages 8-12.

















