Queso, Just in Time
Written by Ernesto Cisneros
Published by Quill Tree Books
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?
Primary ISBN: 9780063092242
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Mexican/Mexican American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Discrimination: Abilities, Discrimination: Gender and Sexual, Discrimination: Immigration Status, Diverse Abilities: Neurological, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Genre: Science Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health, Multilingual: Spanish Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Death of Family or Friend
Setting: United States (California)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Source: Quill Tree Books