Category Archives: Books

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 →

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

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 →

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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 , , , , , | 3 Comments

Book Club Picks for 4/5s on Hoopla

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a small selection of books available on Hoopla that I think fourth and fifth graders would enjoy reading and discussing. Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Girl and the Ghost and The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow

Posted on November 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s trying to catch up with my reading, with two stories mixing introspection, action, and dealings with the supernatural. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Katy K.

Loosely defined magic and sharply drawn characters mix to form an atmospheric story of a blended family coming together, with book magic and a giant cat. Continue reading →

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The Copycat by Wendy McLeod MacKnight

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a school- and family-focused contemporary fantasy for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction. Continue reading →

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Apprentice Witches: Kiki’s Delivery Service and Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Katy K.

I was fortunate enough to read both a new translation of the classic Japanese fantasy book and a recent book inspired by in the same week. There is lots of charming witchy fun to be had in both of these! Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments