Category Archives: Middle Grade

In the Dakotas: Apple in the Middle and Prairie Lotus

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of girls growing up in the Dakotas – one modern and one in the past. Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley. NDSU, 2018. 9781946163073. Read from library copy. Dawn Quigley would have been one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Quarantine Book Buys and State of the TBR

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Katy K.

The #CybilsReadDown is done!  I have a few more books to review, but I read a lot. Here are the books that have come into my life since my initial post – mostly purchased from local bookstores, but a couple … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Lists, Middle Grade, picture books, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Graphic Novels: This Place, Guts, Best Friends

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s my #CybilsReadDown Reckoning, plus reviews of three don’t-miss graphic novels (one YA, two middle grade) – This Place:150 Years Retold by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm,  Sonny Assu, and Brandon Mitchell et al., Guts by Raina Telgemeier, and Best Friends by Shannon Hale. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Graphic Novel, Historical, Middle Grade, Realistic, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

3 Atmospheric Middle Grade Fantasies

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Katy K.

The clock is ticking on the #CybilsReadDown, so as I’ve once again been reading faster than I can review, I’m going to jump back to try to finish up some of the books that I read early on in quarantine.   … Continue reading →

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

The Thief Knot by Kate Milford

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Katy K.

The Thief Knot by Kate Milford is a welcome return to the world of Greenglass House, an urgent mystery set in the last few days before school lets out for the summer. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Malamander and Gargantis

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Continuing on with important topics, Rosemary at Mom Read it put together a great list of anti-racism resources from multiple places, while author Shanna Miles put together list of Black Kids Living books, saying on Twitter “Buy a book about … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Middle School beyond the Margins: Song for a Whale and Keep it Together, Keiko Carter

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Katy K.

These days, my work of trying to get books celebrating marginalized voices into kids’ hands seems too little, too slow.  I’m trying to find meaningful ways to support more current and active anti-racism work, while still keeping on with sharing … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

3 Ground-breaking LGBTQ Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Katy K.

I realize that I missed that halfway point of the#CybilsReadDown on May 15, but I thought I’d do a quick check-in while it’s still May.  I started off with 13 books on my already-read, need to review pile, 12 books … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Beautiful Fantasies: Mulan: Before the Sword and A Wish in the Dark

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two recent middle grade fantasies that both feature thoughtful main characters involved in epic adventures.  I’m reviewing them together because of that similarity, but hey, it’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, so if you’re still looking for a book to read to celebrate, both of these are excellent choices. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Modern Life with Gods: Race to the Sun and Maya and the Rising Dark

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two books from my #CybilsReadDown pile, both exciting contemporary fantasy in which modern-day kids find that their culture’s traditional Gods are, let’s say, highly relevant to their present lives.  Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. Read by … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments