Category Archives: Reviews

Evil Wizard Smallbone

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Katy K.

Today, a review of a Cybils Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist. The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman. Candlewick, 2017. Nick Reynaud’s life has been harsh since his mother died, leaving him in the hands of his uncle and cousin Jerry, … Continue reading →

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Two Naomis

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Katy K.

Tomorrow is Cybils Day!  I’m still reading finalists at home and am happy to report that my daughter gave two thumbs up to Early Chapter Books Finalists Weekends with Max and His Dad by Linda Urban. Thanks once again to … Continue reading →

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Sacrifice

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Katy K.

Sacrifice by Cindy Pon. Month9Books, 2016. Cindy Pon’s previous book, Serpentine, ended on a dramatic cliff hanger, leaving me waiting a year to find out what would happen next.  If you haven’t yet read Serpentine, you might wish to do … Continue reading →

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The Firefly Code

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Katy K.

It was a little jarring after two years on the Round One panel for the Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction to find that I had read only half of the finalists.  Here’s one that I had read, thanks to Brandy … Continue reading →

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Me and Marvin Gardens and Ninja Librarians: The Sword in the Stacks

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are two recent middle grade books that I was inspired to read by Kidlitcon, as both of these authors were there. Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King. Arthur A. Levine Books, January 31, 2017. I received this … Continue reading →

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Rebellion of Thieves

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Katy K.

Rebellion of Thieves. Robyn Hoodlum Book 2 by Kekla Magoon. Bloomsbury, 2016. The adventures of Robyn Hoodlum, a Robin Hood for a dystopian future which began in Shadows of Sherwood continue!  Robyn’s done a great job of spreading awareness of … Continue reading →

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3 Middle Grade Fantasies: the Left-Handed Fate, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, When the Sea Turned to Silver

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Katy K.

The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford. Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. Henry Holt, 2016. It’s a little hard for me to review this books in part because of how deeply I fell for it.  The year is 1812, and Lucy, the … Continue reading →

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Ash & Bramble and The Star-Touched Queen

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Katy K.

Time for some teen takes on fairy tales and mythology – favorite middle grade author Sarah Prineas with her first teen book, and debut author Roshani Chokshi. Continue reading →

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Ancillary Justice and Monstress

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Katy K.

Here is some of my recent reading for grown-ups – two beautifully detailed, intricately plotted, and female-focused worlds.  Both of these showed up in my Top 10 New-to-Me Authors I Read for the First Time in 2016. Ancillary Justice. Imperial … Continue reading →

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#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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