Category Archives: Middle Grade

Author Interview with Julie Abe on the Magic Library of Waterfall Way

Posted on August 16, 2026 by Katy K.

Join me for an interview with Julie Abe, discussing the inspiration behind her latest book, some of its important themes, and a teaser for its sequel. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

4 Fantasy Series Starters for Kids: An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros & Magic, The Genie Game, The Last Ember, and The Magic Library of Waterfall Way

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Katy K.

I’m sharing four new series starters here, posting as part of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday hosted by Greg at Always in the Middle. An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros & Magic by Sarah J. Mendonca. Quill Tree Books, 2025. ISBN 978-1335012883. … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Monthly Book Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: July 2025

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Katy K.

My brief thoughts of the 11 books I read in July of 2025 – so many books I loved! Worth sharing, even a year late. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Magic and Mental Health: Rialto and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Katy K.

On the surface, these two books don’t have much in common with each other. Rialto by Kate Milford is a contemporary middle grade fantasy book with all of the magic weaving in and out of everyday life that I’d expect … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Books That Bridge Cultures: Hail Mariam, Every Day I Read, and Four Faces of the Moon

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Katy K.

These books – a mix of styles, format, fiction and memoir for kids, teens, and adults – all made me think about the differences and commonalities, from going to a Catholic school when not Catholic to thoughts on a life … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, books, Graphic Novel, Historical, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Engaging Chapter Books: The Mighty Macy, Raquel Reyes, The Avian Adventurers, and Heartwood Hotel

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Katy K.

I talk about three new chapter books and one older but very popular book – all aimed at about middle elementary school-aged kids, including books by Kwame Alexander, Angela Cervantes, Heidi E.Y. Stemple, and Kallie George. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

3 Fantasy Graphic Novels for Kids: Camp Monster, Goat Magic, and the Space Cat

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three different takes on fantasy/sci-fi adventures for kids in graphic novel format. Misunderstandings and pranks take the lead in Camp Monster; a princess in exile needs the help of goats and their herder in Goat Magic, and a cat has multiple funny/serious adventures with aliens in The Space Cat. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Moving Verse Novels for Young Readers: A Sea of Lemon Trees and Octopus Moon

Posted on April 8, 2026 by Katy K.

I picked both of these books up because of the awards – honors for both the Newbery and the Pura Belpre awards for A Sea of Lemon Trees and a Schneider Family Award for representation of disability for Octopus Moon. … Continue reading →

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

Buzzworthy Historical Books for Young Readers: Red River Rose, Where Only Storms Grow, and The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three recent and much-talked about middle grade historical fiction titles. Red River Rose is just coming out this month (March 2026) and has gotten multiple starred reviews. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli won a Newbery … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Guest Post: Isabelle Knight on “Why Middle Grade?”

Posted on March 8, 2026 by Katy K.

Author Isabelle Knight answers the question, “What is it about middle-grade books, like Greenglass House, Nevermoor, or Harry Potter, that I love so dearly?” Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment