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.

2 More Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are two more of the Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel finalists. Coming back to write these reviews reminds me that I still haven’t read the only one I couldn’t get from my own library – Suee and the Shadow.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

The Dollmaker of Krakow and the Ice Sea Pirates

Posted on April 14, 2018 by Katy K.

I said I was done reviewing Cybils books.  I lied.  Here are two more that were nominated for last year’s Cybils, both read from review copies kindly sent to me by the publisher. The Dollmaker of Krakow by R.M. Romero. … Continue reading →

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

3 Cybils MG Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are three of the Cybils elementary/middle grade graphic novel finalists.  It’s always good to read what the other Cybils panelists came up with! Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, 2017. Newbery-honor winning (and personal favorite) … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

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