Category Archives: Middle Grade

The House That Wasn’t There BLOG TOUR

Posted on April 10, 2021 by Katy K.

Please join me on the blog tour for the brand-new book the House That Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold, a tale of hidden magic and growing friendships. Continue reading →

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Reading with My Son – the Middle School Years

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Katy K.

At a friend’s request, I put together a list of the audiobooks and read-alouds my son and I read together when he was in middle school. I hope you enjoy these as much as we did. Continue reading →

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Four Favorite Graphic Novels: Twins, Class Act, Go with the Flow, and Katie the Catsitter

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are four of the graphic novels my daughter has been reading and rereading lately. Continue reading →

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Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Katy K.

Here is a sweet and exciting fantasy for kids bridging up from early chapter books. Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti. Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. Epic!/Andrews McMeel, 2021. ISBN 978-1524864705. Review copy received from the publisher.   As the story opens, our … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Blog Tour! THE IN-BETWEEN by Rebecca K.S. Ansari

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Katy K.

I am so excited today to be part of the blog tour for this spooky, twisty brand-new middle grade book, THE IN-BETWEEN by Rebecca K.S. Ansari. 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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Leaving Safety: The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street and Cleo Porter and the Body Electric

Posted on December 22, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of girls – one past, one future – leaving the safety of their homes for the first time, and the adventures that follow. Continue reading →

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

Mansions, Mysteries & the Fair Folk in Thirteens and The Clockwork Crow

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils-nominated fantasy books, one contemporary and one fantasy, one set at Halloween and one at Christmas, that nevertheless have many elements in common, including the exploration of mostly empty mansions and stopping the disappearance of children at the hands of the Fae. 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 →

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