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.

Alliana, Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Katy K.

I was eagerly awaiting this origin story of Eva’s mother’s best friend, Queen Alliana – especially since it includes dragons. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Cybils 2022!!

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Katy K.

Hello, hello! This is just a quick post to say that I’ll be serving as a Round 1 panelist for the Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category (aka my favorite) for this year’s Cybils Awards. I always love this reading, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog | Tagged | 4 Comments

The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Katy K.

This freshly imagined story of an immigrant girl, taking off from the author’s grandmother’s story, is filled with determination, hard-won joy, as well as hope and humor. Continue reading →

Posted in Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Magical Schools: Wildseed Witch and Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

Posted on September 3, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are two exciting new magical school books, both with kids at all-Black schools, one drawing on Louisiana’s Black history and one set in a futuristic Nigeria. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

A Taste of Magic by J. Elle

Posted on August 30, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a sparkling and delicious new story of a 12-year-old learning magic, baking and other secrets in her inner city neighborhood magic academy. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Blog Tour! HOMEBOUND by John David Anderson

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Katy K.

If you love thrilling space adventures and galactic war combined with found and real family and reflections on the meaning of life, read on! Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Be Brave by Daisy May Johnson

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a smart, modern British boarding school story, packed with humor, friendships, footnotes, bravery and British baked goods. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Katy K.

A city girl explores her Chinese-American roots and gets to know her grandparents and the small Minnesota town her ancestor made home in this funny and heartwarming story. Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Pepper’s Rules for Secret Sleuthing by Briana McDonald

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Katy K.

I have finally gotten around to reading my daughter’s absolute favorite mystery book. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie Anderson

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Katy K.

What happens when a girl, a fox spirit, and a cranky witch team up to save a magical castle? Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment