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.

That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Katy K.

That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston. Penguin Random House, 2017 Welcome to a retro-futuristic present day, where the reign of Victorias never ended, thanks to the first Victoria’s making matches for her children on every continent. This blends together … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Bad Luck Kids: Nevermoor: the Trials of Morrigan Crow and Book of Boy

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of children in very different worlds, but both considered to be bad luck. The first was all over the blogs I read in the middle of Cybils season last year.  It’s just as delightful a few … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

May + June Challenge Update

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Katy K.

#SummerSoLit Bingo Challenge: My friend Akilah at the Englishist is co-hosting a summer reading challenge going from the Summer Solstice through the Fall Equinox.  I must admit that real life is being tough right now and I haven’t been out … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, books, Challenges, Lists, Middle Grade, picture books, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged | 5 Comments

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Katy K.

“What to Read after Black Panther” part 3. It’s not quite Afrofuturism because it’s decidedly mythic past without even the alternate technology of Everfair, and it came out after I made my display. It still belongs here. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Katy K.

#Afrofuturism from my “What to Read after Black Panther” list part two: a full-length adult novel from Nnedi Okorafor, whose books for younger readers I had aggressively sought out while putting off this intense book.  Not for the faint of … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Everfair by Nisi Shawl

Posted on June 22, 2018 by Katy K.

It’s summer reading time at the library.  I love crowds of kids excited about reading, but it does make it challenging to get anything else done.  But waiting patiently in my own review queue, I have a trio of African-based … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Historical | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

3 Great Graphic Novels for Kids

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Katy K.

This weekend is the A2CAF, the Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival, which I used to love helping out with back when it was still Kids Read Comics.  Naturally, I’m at work at my regular library rather than there right now, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Katy K.

Last time, I reviewed this year’s Schneider Family Teen award winner, You’re Welcome, Universe.  Here’s the middle grade winner. Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green. Pajama Press, 2017 Macy is in sixth grade and struggling.  She’s horrified … Continue reading →

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

You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Katy K.

Once again, a book winning an award – in this case the Schneider Family Award – pushed me from meaning to read it someday to actually doing so. You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner. Random House Teens, 2017. Julia believes … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

3 Great Middle Grade Realistic Picks

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Katy K.

If you’re looking for some contemporary realistic fiction, here are three solid titles for a range of tastes from full-on adventure to more introspective. To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson. Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2016. The officially-ended Greene Gang … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments