Category Archives: Middle Grade

The House in Poplar Wood and The Boy, the Bird and the Coffin Maker

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Katy K.

Back to the backlog of Cybils books!  Here are two creepy-beautiful stories, both on the shorter side. The House in Poplar Wood  by K.E. Ormsbee. Chronicle Kids, 2018. There are three great shades, all rivals, who take human apprentices in … Continue reading →

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A Perilous Journey of Danger & Mayhem: a Dastardly Plot

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Katy K.

A Perilous Journey of Danger & Mayhem: a Dastardly Plot by Christopher Healy. Harper Collins Childrens, 2018. 1883 – It’s the Age of Invention in an alternate New York City.  Molly Pepper is trying to help her mother Cassandra succeed … Continue reading →

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Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on February 15, 2019 by Katy K.

The Cybils Award winners were announced yesterday!  So many good books – some I’ve read already and some to add to the TBR!  I’m so happy that Nevermoor: the Trials of Morrigan Crow won in my Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction … Continue reading →

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Nightbooks by J.A. White

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Katy K.

Here’s a brief take on another one of the books I read for the Cybils.   Nightbooks by J.A. White. Harper Collins Childrens, 2018. Alex is tired of being made fun of for being different. He’s on his way to … Continue reading →

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A Sprinkle of Spirits: Love Sugar Magic Book 2

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Katy K.

I really enjoyed Anna Meriano’s first book in the Love Sugar Magic series, A Dash of Trouble, so I jumped at the chance to be part of the blog tour for the second book, which just came out February 5. … Continue reading →

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The Stone Girl’s Story by Sarah Beth Durst

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Katy K.

Continuing on with reviewing our 2018 Cybils finalists. The Stone Girl’s Story by Sarah Beth Durst. Clarion Books, 2018. The stone girl Mayka is the oldest of the stone creatures carved by the Stonemason she called Father, who knew the … Continue reading →

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Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Katy K.

Back to some Cybils books while I tabulate more end-of-year things. Sweep: the Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier. Amulet Books, 2018. Nan Sparrow lived with the Sweep, a kindly man who took care of her, teaching … Continue reading →

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12 more Cybils titles I loved

Posted on January 4, 2019 by Katy K.

One of the things I love about the Cybils awards are the many books I get to try that I wouldn’t get around to otherwise.  One of the hardest parts is making a shortlist of only seven books, because I … Continue reading →

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Cybils Finalists Announced!

Posted on January 2, 2019 by Katy K.

Happy 2019! The 2018 Cybils finalists have been announced! Here are the titles that my panel selected for the Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category: Inkling by Kenneth Oppel Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano Nevermoor: The … Continue reading →

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Thisby Thestoop and the Black Mountain

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Katy K.

I’m not having a lot of time to write reviews with my kids home from school and seeing friends and family for the holidays, but here’s one more Cybils nominee review to tide you over until the finalists are announced … Continue reading →

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