Category Archives: Reviews

Inside Out & Back Again

Thanhha Lai’s beautiful novel-in-verse tells the story of a girl’s journey from Vietnam to America. Continue reading

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The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate

I first became acquainted with Calpurnia Tate back in 2009 with The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, which it looks like I never reviewed.  Nevertheless, I was eager to read more about her. The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline … Continue reading

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School Stories: Booked and Spirit Week Showdown

Booked by Kwame Alexander. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. In Alexander’s second sports-and-life novel in verse after Newbury-winning The Crossover, middle schooler Nick loves soccer more than anything.  Except possibly his best friend Coby, now playing on a rival team, and … Continue reading

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Little Robot

I finally made it to Ben Hatke’s last graphic novel – just in time for his next one, Mighty Jack, to come out on September 6. Little Robot by Ben Hatke. First Second, 2015 This nearly wordless graphic novel follows … Continue reading

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Highly Anticipated: The Raven King and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Brief thoughts on two books so momentous in my anticipation that I was sure from the beginning that I wouldn’t be able to give a fair review to them. Continue reading

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Escape from Wolfhaven Castle. The Impossible Quest 1.

This is the first book of a five book fantasy series from Australia, each of them short enough not to be overwhelming to new readers, while still having enough depth of plot and character not to be underwhelming to struggling or reluctant middle grade readers. Continue reading

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A Thousand Nights, Court of Fives, Keeper of the Mist

Here are three recent teen fantasies I’ve read with two things in common: I loved all of them, and they all feature brown-skinned heroines. Continue reading

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Forest of Wonders, Pax, Fridays with the Wizards

Shorter reviews of three recent middle grade fantasy and dystopian books. Continue reading

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The Dinosaur Hunters by Patrick Samphire

Short thoughts on The Dinosaur Hunters by Patrick Samphire, a fun teen novella set on Regency Mars in the world of Secrets of the Dragon Tomb. Continue reading

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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before & P.S. I Still Love You

Jenny Han’s hit books have a heady mix of relationships romantic and not, ethical dilemmas, trouble and hilarity. I was very excited to read just last week that Han is writing a new one. Continue reading

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