Category Archives: Books

The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Katy K.

What does happen to a witch once she’s done with school? The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol. Read by Elizabeth Knowelden. Scholastic Audiobooks, 2017. Arianwyn Gribble has flunked her witch’s test.  She hopes it isn’t just the influence of her … Continue reading →

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Journey’s End by Rachel Hawkins

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Katy K.

I enjoyed Rachel Hawkins’ earlier Hex Hall series, and was pleased to see her first middle grade book nominated for the Cybils. Journey’s End by Rachel Hawkins. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2017. Our story opens in the village of Journey’s End … Continue reading →

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The Matchstick Castle by Keir Graff

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Katy K.

This book has been nominated for the Cybils award.  This review reflects my opinion, not that of the Cybils committee. The Matchstick Castle by Keir Graff. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2017. Brian’s father is travelling for the summer, and Brian is … Continue reading →

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The Voyage to Magical North and the Memory Thief

Posted on November 26, 2017 by Katy K.

As I’m in the throes of peak Cybils reading season and trying desperately to keep up with reviews of the books I’m reading now, I thought I’d take advantage of a Sunday at work to pop in a couple of … Continue reading →

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Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Katy K.

Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder. HarperCollins Children’s, 2017. Nine on an island, orphans all Any more, the sky might fall. This is the rhyme that rules the lives of the nine children who live together on an island.  Every year … Continue reading →

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The Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Katy K.

Six kid geniuses from around the world science their way home from space.  The Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky. Harper, 2017. Meet Miranda Regent, girl genius from Ohio.  At least her little sister thinks she’s smart enough to earn a … Continue reading →

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Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Katy K.

This book is nominated for the Cybils.  I was going to read it anyway, because of being the sequel to The Jumbies.  Also, the awesome cover.  Also, Tracey Baptiste was willing to pose with my sock-in-progress at Kidlitcon 2015. Rise … Continue reading →

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Felix Yz

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Katy K.

Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker. Viking, 2017. Thirteen-year-old Felix was just a toddler sitting on his scientist father’s lap when an experiment exploded.  His father died, while Felix’s consciousness was fused with that of an alien, whom they call Zyx.  … Continue reading →

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In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse and #NotYourPrincess

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are two books celebrating the Native American/Aboriginal experience – one that finally made its way to the top of my reading list, and one new book that the teen librarian kindly purchased for me after I told her how … Continue reading →

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Last Day on Mars

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Katy K.

It’s time to pay a visit to Mars with this exciting Cybils-nominated science fiction title. Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson. Harper Collins Children’s, 2017. As the story opens, a beautiful blue alien scientist sets up an observatory on … Continue reading →

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