Category Archives: Teen/Young Adult

Complex & Compelling Teen Fantasy: Legendborn and Burn

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Katy K.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn and Burn by Patrick Ness are both finalists in the Teen Speculative Fiction category of the Cybils Awards with complex, multilayered, and very compelling narratives. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Top 24 Books that want to be nominated for the Cybils

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Katy K.

One of the things I love about the Cybils Awards is that anyone can nominate their favorite book in each category, whether or not they are book professionals. One of the scary things about the Cybils Awards is that if no one nominates a book, it can’t be considered, no matter how good it is.  Continue reading →

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

Magical Black Girls: A Song Below Water and Snapdragon

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two tales of girls coming to terms with their own magic, A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow and Snapdragon by Kat Leyh. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Thinky Thoughts: Four Nonfiction Books for Adults and Teens

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are shorter takes on four recent nonfiction books for adults and teens. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Graphic Novel, nonfiction, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Superman Smashes the Klan and Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Posted on September 19, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two recent books by perennial favorite Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese  and The Shadow Hero, among many others. Continue reading →

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More Teen Love: Opposite of Always, Emergency Contact, and Frankly in Love

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Katy K.

I’m catching up on more heart-tugging teen romances that will still make you feel better about the world. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Magical History: 12 Takes on Our Past + Magic for Teens

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here is the fourth in my series of lists for teens, this one featuring 14 great historical fantasy picks. Continue reading →

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Teen Love: This is My Brain in Love, Secret of a Heart Note, and Don’t Date Rosa Santos

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three teen stories with romance at the center and satisfyingly sweet endings, though all of them have the good grace to be as much or more about our main character figuring out who she is and where she … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Modern Magic: 12 Tantalizing Tales for Teens

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s the third in my series of teen fantasy and science fiction lists, working together with my library’s teen librarian and intern. Enjoy! Continue reading →

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Aftermath: Children of Virtue and Vengeance and Wayward Son

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two teen sequels where characters must deal with the consequences of the magical cataclysm of the first books, Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi and Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell. Continue reading →

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