Monthly Archives: February 2023

No True Villains: Children of the Quicksands and Eden’s Everdark

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two of the 2022 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalists, both with real problems but no real villains. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged African-American, atmospheric, Cybils, Nigeria, youth fantasy, youth horror | 5 Comments

Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a fresh and funny book from Stacey Lee and Rick Riordan presents, featuring an accident-prone boy and a whole lot of dangerous magical artifacts. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged Chinese-American, mythology, Rick Riordan Presents, San Francisco, Stacey Lee, youth fantasy | 3 Comments

3 2022 MG Fic Finalists: Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater, and Thirst

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m continuing my read-through of 2022 Cybils finalists with three more middle grade fiction titles – Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater (which also won the Newbery) and Thirst. Continue reading →

Posted in Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged censorship, equity, water, youth fiction, youth historical fiction | 1 Comment

Fast & Funny with Cookies & Cakes: Ben Yokoyama and Winnie Zeng

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Katy K.

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr and Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao are two fast and funny chapter to middle grade books that are sure to keep kids reading. Continue reading →