Category Archives: Reviews

3 2022 Cybils MG Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are three original and compelling middle grade graphic novels from the 2022 Cybils finalist list. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

No True Villains: Children of the Quicksands and Eden’s Everdark

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two of the 2022 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalists, both with real problems but no real villains. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

3 2022 MG Fic Finalists: Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater, and Thirst

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m continuing my read-through of 2022 Cybils finalists with three more middle grade fiction titles – Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater (which also won the Newbery) and Thirst. Continue reading →

Posted in Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A Half-Built Garden by Ruthanna Emrys

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a dire and hopeful story of climate crisis and first contact that’s sticking with me months after I read it. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

2 2022 Cybils MG Fic Finalists: Air and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are my takes on two of the latest Cybils Middle Grade Fiction finalists – Air by Monica Roe and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone by Tae Keller. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Mirrorwood by Deva Fagan

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Katy K.

Two enemies chase each other into the enchanted Mirrorwood – and discover that breaking the curse will be more complicated than either of them realized. Continue reading →

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

The Counterclockwise Heart

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a story of adventure, secrets, and betrayal, with delightful gear-punky twists. The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey Algonquin, 2022 ISBN 978-1616205065 Read from a library copy. At the edge of Kingdom of Rheinvelt sits the tiny town of Somber … Continue reading →

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

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Katy K.

Who’s up for some dark yet cozy magical baking plus murder? Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

The Enemy is Fear Part 2: Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann

Posted on December 3, 2022 by Katy K.

This one is for fans of superheroes and puzzle mysteries. Etta Invincibleby  Reese Eschmann. Illustrated by Gretel Lusky Aladdin, 2022 ISBN 9781534468375 Read from a library copy.  Chicago girl Etta lives with Quiet Days, where her ears are filled with … Continue reading →

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The Enemy is Fear: the Clackity by Lora Senf

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Katy K.

The Clackity by Lora Senf is a delightfully creepy book to please fans of both contemporary and classic fantasy horror. Continue reading →

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