Queso, Just in Time

De: Ernesto Cisneros

Pura Belpré Award-winning author Ernesto Cisneros takes listeners “back to the future” in this funny and heartfelt time-travel tale about family, grief, and love that stretches across the years. Give to listeners who love Erin Entrada Kelly, Gordan Korman, and Jason Reynolds!

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?

©2026 Ernesto Cisneros (P)2026 HarperCollins Publishers