Category Archives: Books

Fast & Funny with Cookies & Cakes: Ben Yokoyama and Winnie Zeng

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Katy K.

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr and Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao are two fast and funny chapter to middle grade books that are sure to keep kids reading. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Half-Built Garden by Ruthanna Emrys

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a dire and hopeful story of climate crisis and first contact that’s sticking with me months after I read it. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

2022 In Review – by the Numbers

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s my super-geeky, graph-heavy dive into my 2022 reading. Continue reading →

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

2 2022 Cybils MG Fic Finalists: Air and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are my takes on two of the latest Cybils Middle Grade Fiction finalists – Air by Monica Roe and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone by Tae Keller. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Mirrorwood by Deva Fagan

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Katy K.

Two enemies chase each other into the enchanted Mirrorwood – and discover that breaking the curse will be more complicated than either of them realized. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Counterclockwise Heart

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a story of adventure, secrets, and betrayal, with delightful gear-punky twists. The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey Algonquin, 2022 ISBN 978-1616205065 Read from a library copy. At the edge of Kingdom of Rheinvelt sits the tiny town of Somber … Continue reading →

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

Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a scary-cozy middle grade based on Mexican legend – one of the books I was sad not to make it to the Cybils finalists. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

2022 Cybils Finalists and Ones that Got Away

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Katy K.

Here is the finalist list that my fellow panelists and I put together – plus another 10 titles I loved that didn’t make it. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , | 10 Comments

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Katy K.

Who’s up for some dark yet cozy magical baking plus murder? Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Enemy is Fear Part 2: Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann

Posted on December 3, 2022 by Katy K.

This one is for fans of superheroes and puzzle mysteries. Etta Invincibleby  Reese Eschmann. Illustrated by Gretel Lusky Aladdin, 2022 ISBN 9781534468375 Read from a library copy.  Chicago girl Etta lives with Quiet Days, where her ears are filled with … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment