Category Archives: Books

#WNDB Wednesday: the Treasure of Maria Mamoun and Summer Showers

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Katy K.

An island mystery – and cupcakes for the county fair. What could be better? The Treasure of Maria Mamoun by Michelle Chalfoun and Summer Showers. Cupcake Cousins Number 2 by Kate Hannigan. Continue reading →

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The Birchbark House and The Game of Silence

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Katy K.

For the past 14 years, I have recommended this series to every family that’s come to me asking for something to read after reading the Little House books. This year, I finally started the series myself.  I am so glad … Continue reading →

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The Lioness and the Spellspinner

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Katy K.

Elements from many different fairy tales combine in this story that works as a prequel to Mahoney’s “Twelve Dancing Princesses” retelling The Storyteller and Her Sisters.  If you missed it, be sure to read my latest interview with Cheryl. The … Continue reading →

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Four Fantastic Fantasies

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Katy K.

Here are four mostly recent middle grade fantasies, all by authors I’ve enjoyed in the past, including Mike Jung, Nnedi Okorafor, Diane Zahler and Ursula Vernon. Continue reading →

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War: The Lost Heir and Guts and Glory: WWII

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Katy K.

My Cybils audiobook listening continues with two middle grade books about war, one fantasy with dragons and one historical. Continue reading →

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2 Diverse Audiobooks -The Inquisitor’s Tale & Momotaro: Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Katy K.

In which I review two action-packed, Cybils-nominated middle grade audiobooks, The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz and Momotaro: Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters by Margaret Dilloway Continue reading →

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11 Girl-Led Read-alouds for 2/3 Grade

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Katy K.

This is a list of diverse girl-led read-alouds to appeal to the whole class, to spread love and understanding. Continue reading →

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The Mountain of Kept Memory

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Katy K.

Take a break from real life politics with tricksy fantasy politics in a gorgeous setting in the Mountain of Kept Memory by Rachel Neumeier. Continue reading →

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October Diversity on the Shelf Update

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Katy K.

I am participating in the Diversity on the Shelf Challenge hosted by Akilah at The Englishist. This month I read 9 books by authors of color and three more by white authors with diverse protagonists. So much great reading! Continue reading →

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Author Interview: Cheryl Mahoney on The Lioness and the Spellspinners

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Katy K.

My blogging friend Cheryl Mahoney over at Tales of the Marvelous has been writing a delightful fairy tale-inspired series for young adults since 2013. I’m very pleased to interview her on my blog as part of the tour for her fourth book, The Lioness and the Spellspinners, which came out October 14. Continue reading →

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