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.

Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Katy K.

Here’s a super-creepy book by We Need Diverse Books founder Ellen Oh for those who want to hang on to that Halloween feeling. Or maybe just like reading stories of haunted houses. Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh. HarperCollins, 2017. Harper … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Katy K.

Back to Cybils-nominated books with a whimsical adventure with an alien, from the author of the updated Chitty Chitty Bang Bang books. Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. Harper Collins Children’s 2017. Prez Mellows lives his … Continue reading →

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Snowspelled by Stephanie Burgis.

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Katy K.

Quick break for another pre-Cybils review, a charming Regency fantasy-romance, with strong underpinnings. Snowspelled. The Harwood Spellbook 1 by Stephanie Burgis. Five Fathoms Press, 2017. Cassandra Harwood used to be Angland’s only female magicians, and one of its best altogether.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

A Properly Unhaunted Place by William Alexander

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Katy K.

William Alexander’s latest book is short, spooky and delicious, with a strong core. A Properly Unhaunted Place by William Alexander. Illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2017. Rosa Díaz is the daughter of the world’s best ghost appeasement … Continue reading →

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Dark Surroundings, Bright Spirits: 3 Novels

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are three books for teens and middle grade students that take a hard look at the African-American experience through the eyes of strong young people Continue reading →

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The Shadow Cipher. York Book 1 by Laura Ruby

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Katy K.

The Shadow Cipher. York Book 1 by Laura Ruby. Walden Pond Press, 2017. Over a hundred years ago, the two Morningstarr siblings created York as the jewel of America.  Tall, glittering buildings with elevators that go all different directions, subways … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Roses and Rot by Kat Howard

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Katy K.

My blogging friend Maureen at By Singing Light, like myself, is a fan of a well-retold Tam Lin story – so when she got excited about this story, I paid attention.  A column by the author on John Scalzi’s blog … Continue reading →

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Diverse Reading Round-up Fall 2017

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Katy K.

It looks like I missed the last couple of my planned diverse reading round-ups – the last one I could find was my March and April Diverse Reading.  Here’s what I’ve read since then, with links to reviews if I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Challenges, Lists | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Ninefox Gambit

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Katy K.

A quick review of some twisty military sci-fi for adults, before Cybils middle grade spec fic takes over the blog as it has already, of course, taken over my reading. (Have you nominated yet?  There are still a couple of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Katy K.

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor. Viking, 2017. At last, a long-awaited sequel to Akata Witch, complete with new covers for both books.  It’s been just a year in book time since Sunny Nwazue and her three juju-learning Leopard team mates … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments