Category Archives: Middle Grade

A Dash of Trouble. Love Sugar Magic #1 by Anna Meriano

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Katy K.

I had an unplanned little Latinix series as holds came in on various fun-sounding books all at the same time. Here’s the next one, a funny fantasy with lots of baking. A Dash of Trouble. Love Sugar Magic #1 by … Continue reading →

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Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Katy K.

Here’s a charming first novel from the illustrator of Mango, Abuela & Me. Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez. Roaring Brook Press, 2018. Stella is nervous about school now that her best friend, Jenny, is in another … Continue reading →

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2 More Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are two more of the Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel finalists. Coming back to write these reviews reminds me that I still haven’t read the only one I couldn’t get from my own library – Suee and the Shadow.  … Continue reading →

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The Dollmaker of Krakow and the Ice Sea Pirates

Posted on April 14, 2018 by Katy K.

I said I was done reviewing Cybils books.  I lied.  Here are two more that were nominated for last year’s Cybils, both read from review copies kindly sent to me by the publisher. The Dollmaker of Krakow by R.M. Romero. … Continue reading →

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3 Cybils MG Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are three of the Cybils elementary/middle grade graphic novel finalists.  It’s always good to read what the other Cybils panelists came up with! Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, 2017. Newbery-honor winning (and personal favorite) … Continue reading →

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Watchdog by Will McIntosh

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Katy K.

I think I’m finally approaching the end of books I read for the Cybils award! No guarantees, but here at least is a fun, fast-paced story, especially for fans of giant robot dogs. Watchdog by Will McIntosh. Delacorte, 2017. In … Continue reading →

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The Marvelwood Magicians

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Katy K.

I’ve enjoyed books by Diane Zahler in the past, including Baker’s Magic and The Thirteenth Princess, so I was happy when this new offering came up in my Cybils reading last year. The Marvelwood Magicians by Diane Zahler. Boyds Mills Press, 2017. … Continue reading →

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Rebel Genius by Michael Dante DiMartino

Posted on March 10, 2018 by Katy K.

This book was a 2016 Christmas gift from my love to my son and I.  We finished the book we were reading and then took several months reading it aloud together. Rebel Genius by Michael Dante DiMartino. Roaring Brook Press, … Continue reading →

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Beast & Crown by Joel Ross

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Katy K.

Beast & Crown by Joel Ross. HarperCollins, 2017. This most recent book by the author of the 2015 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction winner, The Fog Diver, features a similarly diverse cast, this time in a historical fantasy world. (I … Continue reading →

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Dominion by Shane Arbuthnott

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Katy K.

My catching up with books I read for the Cybils continues… Dominion by Shane Arbuthnott. Orca, 2017. Twelve-year-old Molly Stout lives and works on her family’s airship, the Legerdemain, along with her father and two older brothers. Following the legacy … Continue reading →

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