Category Archives: books

Back to Magic School: a Middle Grade Book List

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are nine stories of kids going to magic schools – some delightful and some horrifying. Continue reading →

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For Real: Nikhil Out Loud, On Air with Zoe Washington, and The Many Masks of Andy Zhou

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are three realistic middle grade books I’ve enjoyed recently, from Maulik Pancholy, Janae Marks, and Jack Cheng Continue reading →

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Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards by Susan Tan and Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Siguira

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Katy K.

Two girls with similar issues find adventure along the way – one with a ghost elephant, one battling demons – in Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards and Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind. Continue reading →

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Time Travel Trio: A Spoonful of Time, the Carrefour Curse, and the the Rhythm of Time

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Katy K.

Three recent middle grade time travel books, each to please a different reading personality. Continue reading →

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3 2022 Cybils YA Graphic Novel Finalists: Messy Roots, Across a Field of Starlight, and Huda F Are You?

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m back with short takes on 3 2022 Cybils graphic novel finalists you won’t want to miss! Continue reading →

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Claws & Contrivances by Stephanie Burgis

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Katy K.

First: There are still 5 days to enter the giveaway for Conjure Island! I have been eagerly awaiting the next book of Stephanie Burgis’s Regency Dragons series, so of course I accepted when she asked if I wanted a copy … Continue reading →

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BLOG TOUR: Conjure Island by Eden Royce

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Katy K.

Join me on the blog tour for CONJURE ISLAND by Eden Royce, set in a magical school I’d love to visit. Continue reading →

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3 Magical Journeys: The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams, The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto, and Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Posted on June 17, 2023 by Katy K.

There are magical journeys galore in these new middle grade fantasies, including along the historical Silk Road, a possibly haunted present-day ranch, and the Indonesian jungle during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continue reading →

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Speculation by Nisi Shawl

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Katy K.

Magic spectacles and a bookish girl discovering family secrets combine to make Speculation by Nisi Shawl one of my very favorite books of the year so far.  Continue reading →

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

Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Katy K.

Hadeer Elsbai’s debut book, Daughters of Izdihar is an exciting tale of magic and the struggle for women’s rights inspired by Egyptian women’s quest for the vote. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , | 1 Comment