Category Archives: Middle Grade

No True Villains: Children of the Quicksands and Eden’s Everdark

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two of the 2022 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalists, both with real problems but no real villains. Continue reading →

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Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a fresh and funny book from Stacey Lee and Rick Riordan presents, featuring an accident-prone boy and a whole lot of dangerous magical artifacts. Continue reading →

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3 2022 MG Fic Finalists: Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater, and Thirst

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m continuing my read-through of 2022 Cybils finalists with three more middle grade fiction titles – Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater (which also won the Newbery) and Thirst. Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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