Queso, Just in Time
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026 · Est. 6 hour read

Queso, Just in Time

By Ernesto Cisneros

A boy's wish sends him back to 1985 to meet his young father. Can he change his dad's future?

4.2/5 Goodreads · 243 ratings
272 pages· 44,281 words· Est. 6 hour read
$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Queso, grieving his father's death, wakes up in 1985 alongside his twelve-year-old dad, Pancho. Thrilled to be with him, Queso discovers Pancho's hidden insecurities despite his bravado. As they navigate this unexpected timeline, Queso wonders if he can inspire Pancho to believe in himself and alter his future. Will their bond transcend time and reshape their destinies?

From the publisher

Pura Belpré Award-winning author Ernesto Cisneros takes readers “back to the future” in this funny and heartfelt time-travel tale about family, grief, and love that stretches across the years. Give to readers 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 how to move though this weird timeline, 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?

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
272
Words
44,281
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
~781L
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5
F&P level
~S
AR points
7
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
557792
Publication
Published
March 10, 2026
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780063092242

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