Category Archives: Middle Grade

Magic and Mental Health: Rialto and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Katy K.

On the surface, these two books don’t have much in common with each other. Rialto by Kate Milford is a contemporary middle grade fantasy book with all of the magic weaving in and out of everyday life that I’d expect … Continue reading →

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Books That Bridge Cultures: Hail Mariam, Every Day I Read, and Four Faces of the Moon

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Katy K.

These books – a mix of styles, format, fiction and memoir for kids, teens, and adults – all made me think about the differences and commonalities, from going to a Catholic school when not Catholic to thoughts on a life … Continue reading →

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Engaging Chapter Books: The Mighty Macy, Raquel Reyes, The Avian Adventurers, and Heartwood Hotel

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Katy K.

I talk about three new chapter books and one older but very popular book – all aimed at about middle elementary school-aged kids, including books by Kwame Alexander, Angela Cervantes, Heidi E.Y. Stemple, and Kallie George. Continue reading →

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3 Fantasy Graphic Novels for Kids: Camp Monster, Goat Magic, and the Space Cat

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three different takes on fantasy/sci-fi adventures for kids in graphic novel format. Misunderstandings and pranks take the lead in Camp Monster; a princess in exile needs the help of goats and their herder in Goat Magic, and a cat has multiple funny/serious adventures with aliens in The Space Cat. Continue reading →

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Moving Verse Novels for Young Readers: A Sea of Lemon Trees and Octopus Moon

Posted on April 8, 2026 by Katy K.

I picked both of these books up because of the awards – honors for both the Newbery and the Pura Belpre awards for A Sea of Lemon Trees and a Schneider Family Award for representation of disability for Octopus Moon. … Continue reading →

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Buzzworthy Historical Books for Young Readers: Red River Rose, Where Only Storms Grow, and The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three recent and much-talked about middle grade historical fiction titles. Red River Rose is just coming out this month (March 2026) and has gotten multiple starred reviews. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli won a Newbery … Continue reading →

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Guest Post: Isabelle Knight on “Why Middle Grade?”

Posted on March 8, 2026 by Katy K.

Author Isabelle Knight answers the question, “What is it about middle-grade books, like Greenglass House, Nevermoor, or Harry Potter, that I love so dearly?” Continue reading →

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Magic and Secrets: The Ink Witch, Farrah Noorzad and the Realm of Nightmares, and Scarlet Morning

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three fantasy books where kids uncover secrets and find that solving their personal problems might just help the larger world as well. The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywell. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025. ISBN 978-0316585941. Read … Continue reading →

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Top 14 Percy Jackson Read-Alikes for Young Readers

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are 14 fresh tales of modern-day kids and their misadventures with mythology from around the world for fans of Percy Jackson. Continue reading →

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Crossing Magical Borders: 3 Middle Grade Fantasies

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Katy K.

Three engaging children’s books, each featuring unique protagonists exploring magical worlds. “The Forgotten Summer of Seneca” centers on Rowan, who discovers a portal to a magical village. “Vanya and the Wild Hunt” follows a girl navigating her magical lineage. “Nox Winters and the Stygian Serpent” sees Nox confronting unresolved family ties in a fantasy realm. Continue reading →

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