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.

3 Middle Grade Fantasies: the Left-Handed Fate, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, When the Sea Turned to Silver

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Katy K.

The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford. Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. Henry Holt, 2016. It’s a little hard for me to review this books in part because of how deeply I fell for it.  The year is 1812, and Lucy, the … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Ash & Bramble and The Star-Touched Queen

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Katy K.

Time for some teen takes on fairy tales and mythology – favorite middle grade author Sarah Prineas with her first teen book, and debut author Roshani Chokshi. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Ancillary Justice and Monstress

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Katy K.

Here is some of my recent reading for grown-ups – two beautifully detailed, intricately plotted, and female-focused worlds.  Both of these showed up in my Top 10 New-to-Me Authors I Read for the First Time in 2016. Ancillary Justice. Imperial … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Reviews | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

TTT: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read For the First Time In 2016

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Katy K.

Here are ten of my favorite new authors for 2016, with great stories for middle grade, teen and adult readers. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Lists | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Diversity on the Shelf November Update

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Katy K.

I am participating in the Diversity on the Shelf Challenge hosted by Akilah at The Englishist. I finished a total of 23 books in November, of which five were by authors of color and two more were by white authors with main characters of color. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Challenges | Tagged , | 2 Comments

TTT: Holiday Gift Guide: Books for a 9-Year-Old Boy

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Katy K.

It’s taken me a little while to put together this response to last week’s Top 10 Tuesday prompt (hosted as always by the good folks at the Broke and the Bookish), a free form gift guide. What direction did I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Lists | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

#WNDB Wednesday: the Treasure of Maria Mamoun and Summer Showers

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Katy K.

An island mystery – and cupcakes for the county fair. What could be better? The Treasure of Maria Mamoun by Michelle Chalfoun and Summer Showers. Cupcake Cousins Number 2 by Kate Hannigan. Continue reading →

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The Birchbark House and The Game of Silence

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Katy K.

For the past 14 years, I have recommended this series to every family that’s come to me asking for something to read after reading the Little House books. This year, I finally started the series myself.  I am so glad … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

The Lioness and the Spellspinner

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Katy K.

Elements from many different fairy tales combine in this story that works as a prequel to Mahoney’s “Twelve Dancing Princesses” retelling The Storyteller and Her Sisters.  If you missed it, be sure to read my latest interview with Cheryl. The … Continue reading →

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Four Fantastic Fantasies

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Katy K.

Here are four mostly recent middle grade fantasies, all by authors I’ve enjoyed in the past, including Mike Jung, Nnedi Okorafor, Diane Zahler and Ursula Vernon. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Reviews | 14 Comments