Category Archives: Books

My Top 12 Posts: #11 – Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Katy K.

In celebration of my 20th blogiversary, I’m reblogging the posts that have gotten the most views in the time they’ve been published. Here is #11, Maizy Chen’s Last Chance. With just 202 lifetime hits, this is not at the top … Continue reading →

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My Top 12 Posts: #12 – Desk Tales

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Katy K.

Hello, dear readers! As requested, in honor of my 20th blogging anniversary, I’m reblogging my top posts. Rather than going with the posts with the overall highest hits, I’m going with the ones with the highest hits by age to … Continue reading →

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2023 Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Katy K.

The hard-working 2023 Cybils panel picked out their 7 favorite elementary and middle grade graphic novels. Here are my takes, with notes on my kid’s favorites. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

20 Years of Blogging

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Katy K.

I started this blog Livejournal quite casually, just posting short summaries of books I’d read for my existing online friends, with no concept of trying to build an audience. It’s rather astounding to find myself still here 20 years later, … Continue reading →

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2023 in Review – the Books

Posted on February 11, 2024 by Katy K.

Here is my annual list of books that I rated at 9 or above. I rate most books I really enjoy as 8, but since that list would be over 100 books, I feel the need to limit myself. I do … Continue reading →

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No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Katy K.

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub Bloomsbury, 2024 ISBN 9781547609284 Review copy kindly sent by the publisher. 16-year-old Hazeem has spent this year following his father’s death wallowing in depression, getting out of bed to make sure his mom … Continue reading →

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2023 In Review – by the Numbers

Posted on January 26, 2024 by Katy K.

Here’s my super-geeky, graph-heavy dive into my 2022 reading. Continue reading →

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Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo for MCBD 2024

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Katy K.

It’s time to celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day again! I’m reviewing this book here – be sure to head over to the website for lots of book giveaways, hundreds of reviews, and for information about the online party.  Cruzita and the … Continue reading →

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BLOG TOUR – Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Katy K.

Dear readers, I am so excited to once again be part of the blog tour for Anne Ursu’s latest book! This is one braids together a realistic middle school story with one of unease and slowly developing horror.  ABOUT THE BOOK … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix

Posted on January 13, 2024 by Katy K.

This is the last book I read for the Cybils this year – and it’s a lovely play on standard magic school tropes. It’s from Nigerian-British author Isi Hendrix, and has a lovely UK cover as well.  Adia Kelbara and the … Continue reading →

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