Category Archives: Books

Stories, Stars, and Grandparents: When You Trap a Tiger and the Magic in Changing Your Stars

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Katy K.

I love it when happy accidents like this happen – two very different books with similar themes popping up back-to-back in my TBR. Here we have two stories involving stories, stars, and close grandparent-grandchild relationships. Continue reading →

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Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Katy K.

I read Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the 2019 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Winner, near the end of February this year… just a month out from what would have been KidLitCon had not 2020 intervened.  So … Continue reading →

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Bears! Water Bears and The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two more Cybils nominees, both involving bears. Water Bears, with a Latinx author and main character, continues with the Latinx theme of the past week, while The Girl who Speaks Bear takes us to fantasy Russia. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary book with a hint of possible magic, or full-on folk tale-inspired historical fantasy, there’s a book here for you. Continue reading →

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The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Katy K.

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova is a sweet quest fantasy for middle grade readers. Continue reading →

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Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Katy K.

Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of Esperanza Rising and Echo, returns with Mañanaland, a Cybils nominee that falls right on the border of realism and fantasy. Continue reading →

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Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster.

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Katy K.

I promised more Latinx fantasy a few days ago – and here we are! Columbian-American debut author Alex Aster delivers a refreshingly new take on the epic fantasy quest, inspired by her abuela’s stories. Continue reading →

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8 Spooky Middle Grade Books

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Just in case you or a kid in your life happen to be looking for something to read for Halloween, here are a few I’ve enjoyed! And let me know in the comments if you have anything you’d add to … Continue reading →

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Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Katy K.

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia is a dark but funny tale of monsters of Mexican myth and the preteens who battle them to rescue their friends perfect for your Halloween reading. Continue reading →

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Magic, Friendship and Community: Muse Squad, Weird Little Robots, If We Were Giants

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Katy K.

Every September before Cybils nominations open, I look around for eligible books that I can read in the meantime.  Here are three that I enjoyed that were not nominated, though there are still a few days for their publishers or … Continue reading →

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The Last Mirror on the Left by Lamar Giles

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Katy K.

I’m very excited to be celebrating the release of the second book in Lamar Giles’ Legendary Alston Boys series, which began last year with The Last Last Day of Summer. Continue reading →

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