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.

Magical History: 12 Takes on Our Past + Magic for Teens

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here is the fourth in my series of lists for teens, this one featuring 14 great historical fantasy picks. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Historical, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Teen Love: This is My Brain in Love, Secret of a Heart Note, and Don’t Date Rosa Santos

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three teen stories with romance at the center and satisfyingly sweet endings, though all of them have the good grace to be as much or more about our main character figuring out who she is and where she … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Print, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Seventh Grade Switch: The First Rule of Punk and Roll with It

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of two seventh-grade kids finding their way in new schools. The First Rule of Punk is a Pura Belpré honor book, and Roll with It is a 2019 Cybils finalist.   The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Modern Magic: 12 Tantalizing Tales for Teens

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s the third in my series of teen fantasy and science fiction lists, working together with my library’s teen librarian and intern. Enjoy! Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Lists, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Aftermath: Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Wayward Son

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two teen sequels where characters must deal with the consequences of the magical cataclysm of the first books, Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi and Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Sequels: The Jumbie God’s Revenge and Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two great middle grade speculative fiction sequels – The Jumbie God’s Revenge by Tracey Baptiste and Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez – the first of which is the selection for the current round of the Generations Book Club from the Brown Bookshelf. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Desk Tales: Front Desk and From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Katy K.

Two kids deal with friendships and take stands for social justice in stories that draw from real-life problems, Front Desk by Kelly Yang and From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks.   Continue reading →

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

Future Worlds: 13 Riveting Speculative Fiction Books for Teens

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Katy K.

Whether the future is scientific or magical, on our planet or in space, there are so many options for good storytelling! Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Lists, Print, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

In the Dakotas: Apple in the Middle and Prairie Lotus

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of girls growing up in the Dakotas – one modern and one in the past. Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley. NDSU, 2018. 9781946163073. Read from library copy. Dawn Quigley would have been one of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Magical Quests in YA Books

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Katy K.

Buckle up, friends – my teen librarian Ms. D. asked for help coming up with more specific lists for teen speculative fiction.  We’ve been brainstorming book titles together and came up with four lists worth.  This one has a fair … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , | 10 Comments