Category Archives: Books

Graphic Novels: This Place, Guts, Best Friends

Posted on June 15, 2020 by

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 , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

3 Atmospheric Middle Grade Fantasies

Posted on June 12, 2020 by

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 , , , , , | 4 Comments

12 Magical Teen Fantasy Books on Hoopla

Posted on June 10, 2020 by

Here are some great fantasy books for teens to download from libraries whether or not their library is open to the public yet. Most of them are books I’ve personally enjoyed, with a few top of the TBR pile books thrown in as well.   Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Thief Knot by Kate Milford

Posted on June 5, 2020 by

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 , | Leave a comment

Malamander and Gargantis

Posted on June 3, 2020 by

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

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 , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

12 Snuggle-Worthy Picture Books on Hoopla

Posted on May 28, 2020 by

Here’s a look at some picture books that I love and was thrilled to find on hoopla.  Several of these have attached audio, so kids not yet able to read on their own can enjoy on their own.  But of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, picture books, Print, Realistic | Tagged , | Leave a comment

3 Ground-breaking LGBTQ Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens

Posted on May 27, 2020 by

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 , , , , , , | 1 Comment

YA Blockbusters: Aurora Rising and Call Down the Hawk

Posted on May 22, 2020 by

Here are two series-starters by authors of previous hot, hot YA series, both of which my teen and I have enjoyed. Aurora Rising was on my #CybilsReadDown lists, while Call Down the Hawk was the last book I took notes … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Reviews, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted on May 21, 2020 by

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 , , , , , | 1 Comment