Queso, Just in Time, Ernesto Cisneros
Queso, Just in Time, Ernesto Cisneros
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Queso, Just in Time

Author: Ernesto Cisneros

Narrator: Gary Tiedemann

Unabridged: 4 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/10/2026

Synopsis

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 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? 

About Ernesto Cisneros

Ernesto Cisneros was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, where he still teaches. He is the author of Efrén Divided, which won the Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award, and Falling Short. He holds an English degree from the University of California, Irvine; a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach; as well as a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from National University. As an author, he believes in providing today’s youth with an honest depiction of characters with whom they can identify. The real world is filled with amazing people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His work strives to reflect that. You can visit him online at ernestocisneros.com.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Maura on March 23, 2026

If you could transport back in time to meet your parent when they were your age, what would you say to them? What would 12 year old you say to 12 year old them? Queso is a 12 year old whose acute pain at losing his father has not abated much in the 2 years since gun violence ended his father’s life.......more

Goodreads review by Richie on January 26, 2026

Richie’s Picks: QUESO, JUST IN TIME by Ernesto Cisneros, HarperCollins/QuillTree, March 2026, 272p., ISBN: 978-0-06-309224-2 “Tell me, doctor Where are we going this time? Is this the fifties? Or nineteen ninety-nine? – Huey Lewis and the News, “Back in Time” (1985) “There’s a honk outside. It’s Queso Sr.......more

Goodreads review by Patti on March 01, 2026

Imagine my delight in thinking this is simply a time travel family story (which I enjoyed), but then seeing some very pointed messages in here about the importance of diverse books in young peoples' lives and a very strong message against book bans. Loved it! Honestly I would expect nothing less fro......more

Goodreads review by Yvette on November 03, 2025

Queso, Just in Time is now one of my favorite books! I truly enjoyed reading this book as I went on a journey with young Queso. His character went through many emotions and experiences which granted him a new perspective on life. His positive outlook on life and pride in his family, friendships, and......more

Goodreads review by Lisa on October 26, 2025

12yo Queso Castillo is mourning his dad's death. More than anything, he wishes he could spend more time with him. Then, making a wish on a cool looking moon, Queso wakes up the next morning to find it's 1985 and he's at his dad's childhood home. His grandparents are young and his dad is 12. He makes......more

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