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.

Shadowhouse Fall by Daniel José Older

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Katy K.

Sierra and her Shadowshaper crew return in the second full-length novel. Shadowhouse Fall by Daniel José Older. Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2017. The school year is starting again for Sierra and her friends, all now in training, as our story opens.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

All the Crooked Saints

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Katy K.

All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater. Narrated by Thom Rivera. Scholastic, 2017. Beatriz, Joaquin and Daniel Soria are cousins living in Bicho Raro, Colorado, in 1962.  The Sorias have developed a reputation over the past century as miracle workers, … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

MLA Spring Institute

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Katy K.

Last week, I got to go to the Michigan Library Association’s Spring Institute for the first time.  I’ve never been before because it’s specifically for youth and teen librarians, and I’m officially an adult librarian – someone has to stay … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Conference Notes, Lists | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Watchdog by Will McIntosh

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Katy K.

I think I’m finally approaching the end of books I read for the Cybils award! No guarantees, but here at least is a fun, fast-paced story, especially for fans of giant robot dogs. Watchdog by Will McIntosh. Delacorte, 2017. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Marvelwood Magicians

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Katy K.

I’ve enjoyed books by Diane Zahler in the past, including Baker’s Magic and The Thirteenth Princess, so I was happy when this new offering came up in my Cybils reading last year. The Marvelwood Magicians by Diane Zahler. Boyds Mills Press, 2017. … Continue reading →

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Rebel Genius by Michael Dante DiMartino

Posted on March 10, 2018 by Katy K.

This book was a 2016 Christmas gift from my love to my son and I.  We finished the book we were reading and then took several months reading it aloud together. Rebel Genius by Michael Dante DiMartino. Roaring Brook Press, … Continue reading →

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Beast & Crown by Joel Ross

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Katy K.

Beast & Crown by Joel Ross. HarperCollins, 2017. This most recent book by the author of the 2015 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction winner, The Fog Diver, features a similarly diverse cast, this time in a historical fantasy world. (I … Continue reading →

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

Dominion by Shane Arbuthnott

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Katy K.

My catching up with books I read for the Cybils continues… Dominion by Shane Arbuthnott. Orca, 2017. Twelve-year-old Molly Stout lives and works on her family’s airship, the Legerdemain, along with her father and two older brothers. Following the legacy … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

2018 Diversity Reading Challenge Update

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Katy K.

This year I’m participating in the Diversity Reading Challenge hosted by Pam at an Unconventional Librarian.  It’s a really great way to help me make sure my reading is well-rounded!  Here’s what I’ve read so far this year: Written by … Continue reading →

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The Painting by Charis Cotter

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Katy K.

Here is another creepy, atmospheric story from the author of 2015 Cybils finalist The Swallow: a Ghost Story. The Painting by Charis Cotter. Tundra Books, 2017. In the present day, our heroine, Annie, is struggling with her mother being in … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , | 1 Comment