Author Archives: Katy K.

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About Katy K.

I'm a librarian and book worm who believes that children and adults deserve great books to read.

Buzzworthy Historical Books for Young Readers: Red River Rose, Where Only Storms Grow, and The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three recent and much-talked about middle grade historical fiction titles. Red River Rose is just coming out this month (March 2026) and has gotten multiple starred reviews. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli won a Newbery … Continue reading →

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Guest Post: Isabelle Knight on “Why Middle Grade?”

Posted on March 8, 2026 by Katy K.

Author Isabelle Knight answers the question, “What is it about middle-grade books, like Greenglass House, Nevermoor, or Harry Potter, that I love so dearly?” Continue reading →

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Magic and Secrets: The Ink Witch, Farrah Noorzad and the Realm of Nightmares, and Scarlet Morning

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three fantasy books where kids uncover secrets and find that solving their personal problems might just help the larger world as well. The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywell. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025. ISBN 978-0316585941. Read … Continue reading →

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Top 14 Percy Jackson Read-Alikes for Young Readers

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are 14 fresh tales of modern-day kids and their misadventures with mythology from around the world for fans of Percy Jackson. Continue reading →

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Crossing Magical Borders: 3 Middle Grade Fantasies

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Katy K.

Three engaging children’s books, each featuring unique protagonists exploring magical worlds. “The Forgotten Summer of Seneca” centers on Rowan, who discovers a portal to a magical village. “Vanya and the Wild Hunt” follows a girl navigating her magical lineage. “Nox Winters and the Stygian Serpent” sees Nox confronting unresolved family ties in a fantasy realm. Continue reading →

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2025 in Review – My Favorite Books

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Katy K.

Here’s my annual look back at the books I rated 9 – the ones I’d be mostly likely to go back to in the future – and the 15(!) I reread. Continue reading →

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Monthly Reading Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: December 2025

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Katy K.

Share some cozy winter reads with me in my December round-up, featuring books from picture book through adult on themes as varied as ADHD, Indigenous culture, and cozy fantasy and sci-fi. With books by Jashar Awan, Penn and Kim Holderness, Dawn Quigley, Kim Normanton, Angeline Boulley, Lewis Hancox, Trung Le Nguyen, Mary Robinette Kowal, M. Stevenson, Charlotte E. English, Leslye Penelope, Lynn Strong., Malka Older, George Takei, and more. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

2025 In Review – by the Numbers

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Katy K.

Here’s my super-geeky, graph-heavy dive into my 2025 reading. Continue reading →

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Book Round-Up Adult: September-October 2025

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Katy K.

Brief thoughts on the books for adults I read in September and October, including books by Olivia Atwater, Sangu Mandanna, Sarah Beth Durst, Elodie Durand, Elisabeth Wheatley, Tavi Hawn, Mia P. Manansala, Lisa See, Stephanie Burgis, Naomi Novik, and Katherine Center. Continue reading →

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Monthly Book Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: November 2025

Posted on December 5, 2025 by Katy K.

Brief thoughts on the books I read in November, including books by Tanita S. Davis, Alexandra Villasante, C.B. Lee, Mackenzi Lee, Maggie Stiefvater, and Rebecca Thorne. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments