Author Archives: Katy K.

About Katy K.

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

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Katy K.

Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of Esperanza Rising and Echo, returns with Mañanaland, a Cybils nominee that falls right on the border of realism and fantasy. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster.

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Katy K.

I promised more Latinx fantasy a few days ago – and here we are! Columbian-American debut author Alex Aster delivers a refreshingly new take on the epic fantasy quest, inspired by her abuela’s stories. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

8 Spooky Middle Grade Books

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Just in case you or a kid in your life happen to be looking for something to read for Halloween, here are a few I’ve enjoyed! And let me know in the comments if you have anything you’d add to … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Katy K.

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia is a dark but funny tale of monsters of Mexican myth and the preteens who battle them to rescue their friends perfect for your Halloween reading. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Magic, Friendship and Community: Muse Squad, Weird Little Robots, If We Were Giants

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Katy K.

Every September before Cybils nominations open, I look around for eligible books that I can read in the meantime.  Here are three that I enjoyed that were not nominated, though there are still a few days for their publishers or … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Last Mirror on the Left by Lamar Giles

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Katy K.

I’m very excited to be celebrating the release of the second book in Lamar Giles’ Legendary Alston Boys series, which began last year with The Last Last Day of Summer. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12 Mysteries for Fans of Enola Holmes

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Katy K.

My Girl Scout troop is both working on the Secret Agent badge and falling in love with Enola Holmes, so they are asking for books. I looked especially for girl detectives, and included both historical and contemporary mysteries with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

African Superheroes: Shuri by Nic Stone and Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of African superheroes by African-American authors: Shuri by Nic Stone and Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Looks at the Past: The Forgotten Girl and Thunder Run

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of friendship that ask the reader to take a new look at the past – The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown and Thunder Run. Dactyl Hill Squad Book 3 by Daniel José Older. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Top 24 Books that want to be nominated for the Cybils

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Katy K.

One of the things I love about the Cybils Awards is that anyone can nominate their favorite book in each category, whether or not they are book professionals. One of the scary things about the Cybils Awards is that if no one nominates a book, it can’t be considered, no matter how good it is.  Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 6 Comments