Category Archives: Books

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 →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , | 10 Comments

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 →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

The Enemy is Fear Part 2: Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann

Posted on December 3, 2022 by Katy K.

This one is for fans of superheroes and puzzle mysteries. Etta Invincibleby  Reese Eschmann. Illustrated by Gretel Lusky Aladdin, 2022 ISBN 9781534468375 Read from a library copy.  Chicago girl Etta lives with Quiet Days, where her ears are filled with … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Enemy is Fear: the Clackity by Lora Senf

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Katy K.

The Clackity by Lora Senf is a delightfully creepy book to please fans of both contemporary and classic fantasy horror. Continue reading →

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

The Cover was Blue: Goblin Market, Bookshop of Dust and Dreams, and Water, Water

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are three very different Cybils-nominated books, all with blue overs. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Button Box by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-William

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Katy K.

For the younger middle grade set comes this exciting time travel adventure set in early medieval Morocco. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Katy K.

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi is a fun twist on the classic magic school story, perfect for fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Continue reading →

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