Category Archives: Books

Haunted Houses: Finch House and Nightmare House

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of kids standing up to haunted houses and the horrors behind them – one more action-oriented and the other more introspective. Both of these books have been nominated for the Cybils Award, and these reviews reflect … Continue reading →

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

Nominate Me for the Cybils 2023!

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Katy K.

Dear readers – it’s Cybils time! Being a panelist always brings with it the joy of stacks of books to read – and the fear that those stacks will be missing important titles. Here are some of the books that … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Adventures with Djinn: Nayra and the Djinn and Kingdom over the Sea

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Katy K.

Dear readers, it’s the end of September, which mean the beginning of Cybils time! I’m excited once again to be serving on the Round 1 Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction panel. And as usual, I’m trying to write up reviews of … Continue reading →

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

Back to Magic School: a Middle Grade Book List

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are nine stories of kids going to magic schools – some delightful and some horrifying. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

For Real: Nikhil Out Loud, On Air with Zoe Washington, and The Many Masks of Andy Zhou

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are three realistic middle grade books I’ve enjoyed recently, from Maulik Pancholy, Janae Marks, and Jack Cheng Continue reading →

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Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards by Susan Tan and Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Siguira

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Katy K.

Two girls with similar issues find adventure along the way – one with a ghost elephant, one battling demons – in Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards and Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind. Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Time Travel Trio: A Spoonful of Time, the Carrefour Curse, and the the Rhythm of Time

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Katy K.

Three recent middle grade time travel books, each to please a different reading personality. Continue reading →

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

3 2022 Cybils YA Graphic Novel Finalists: Messy Roots, Across a Field of Starlight, and Huda F Are You?

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m back with short takes on 3 2022 Cybils graphic novel finalists you won’t want to miss! Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Graphic Novel, Realistic, Reviews, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Claws & Contrivances by Stephanie Burgis

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Katy K.

First: There are still 5 days to enter the giveaway for Conjure Island! I have been eagerly awaiting the next book of Stephanie Burgis’s Regency Dragons series, so of course I accepted when she asked if I wanted a copy … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Historical, Print | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

BLOG TOUR: Conjure Island by Eden Royce

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Katy K.

Join me on the blog tour for CONJURE ISLAND by Eden Royce, set in a magical school I’d love to visit. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments