Category Archives: Lists

2020 in Review – the Books

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Katy K.

Here is a look back at my favorite books of 2020 – mostly new, along with a few rereads. Continue reading →

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Shifting Friendships: a Middle School Book List

Posted on January 13, 2021 by Katy K.

When my teen librarian, Ms. D, and I started talking about a realistic fiction list for middle school, the way that formerly close friendships often start shifting in middle school came up as a particularly relevant topic. I’d been working … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

2020 Cybils Finalists and Ones that Got Away

Posted on January 6, 2021 by Katy K.

Here is the list of official Cybils finalists in my category, Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction – as well as a list of personal favorites that didn’t make it to this round. Continue reading →

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8 Winter Fantasy Books for Middle Grade Readers

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are a selection of Christmas, Yule, and general winter-themed books for 4th through 8th grade readers. Continue reading →

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Book Club Picks for 4/5s on Hoopla

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a small selection of books available on Hoopla that I think fourth and fifth graders would enjoy reading and discussing. Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

8 Spooky Middle Grade Books

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Just in case you or a kid in your life happen to be looking for something to read for Halloween, here are a few I’ve enjoyed! And let me know in the comments if you have anything you’d add to … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

12 Mysteries for Fans of Enola Holmes

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Katy K.

My Girl Scout troop is both working on the Secret Agent badge and falling in love with Enola Holmes, so they are asking for books. I looked especially for girl detectives, and included both historical and contemporary mysteries with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Top 24 Books that want to be nominated for the Cybils

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Katy K.

One of the things I love about the Cybils Awards is that anyone can nominate their favorite book in each category, whether or not they are book professionals. One of the scary things about the Cybils Awards is that if no one nominates a book, it can’t be considered, no matter how good it is.  Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Top 13 Books I Missed Reviewing in the Past Year for Top 10 Tuesday

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Katy K.

Because I couldn’t pick just 10, here are the top 13 books I read over the past year and didn’t write full reviews of for Top Ten Tuesday. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print, Realistic, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

12 Middle Grade Books for Fans of Role-Playing Games

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Katy K.

Every so often I come across books that feel like they would make a great start to a role-playing game. I love the collaborative story-telling they encourage. And while the fantasy dungeons of Dungeons & Dragons are where it started, any setting with an ensemble cast and the possibility for adventure will do. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments