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.

Last Day on Mars

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Katy K.

It’s time to pay a visit to Mars with this exciting Cybils-nominated science fiction title. Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson. Harper Collins Children’s, 2017. As the story opens, a beautiful blue alien scientist sets up an observatory on … Continue reading →

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Journey across the Hidden Islands by Sarah Beth Durst

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Katy K.

I was so excited when an author from my Top 10 Fantasy Authors I’ve Never Read list popped up on the Cybils nominations this year!  Sarah Beth Durst writes mostly YA – I understand this is her first middle grade … Continue reading →

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Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Katy K.

It’s all Cybils all the time for me right now – except for this book, which I read just as the Cybils nomination period was opening in the expectation that it would be nominated, because Circus Mirandus had been so … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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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