Category Archives: books

Teen Boys in Diverse Historical Fiction

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Katy K.

I know there are really no boy books or girl books, just people books.  But nevertheless, when working on our presentation on diverse books for Spring Institute, my friend Nakenya and I realized that our teen historical reading had only … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Historical, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

3 Don’t-Miss Picture Books

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Katy K.

Crown: an Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James. Bolden from Agate Publishing, 2017. I’d seen this on the shelf, but was moved to check it out when listening to the Caldecott Contender episode of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, nonfiction, picture books, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Oddity and the Daybreak Bond

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are two books that have little in common besides being contemporary speculative fiction at the middle grade level.  The first I picked solely because of the adorable yet fierce kid on the cover; the second because I liked the … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

2018 Diversity Reading Challenge Update

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Katy K.

This year I’m participating in the Diversity Reading Challenge hosted by Pam at an Unconventional Librarian.  I’m really enjoying the way it encourages me to diversify my diversity, as it were.  I’m leaving the ones I’d read at my last update … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Challenges, Lists | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Guest Post by Lexi Kozlar: Charlotte, Sometimes

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Katy K.

A while back, a page at my library came asking for one of the New York Review Children’s Collection books.  I don’t remember what it was any more – we didn’t have it, I filled in a purchase request, the … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Sky Full of Stars by Linda Williams Jackson

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Katy K.

I won an ARC of this book from Brandy at Random Musings of a Bibliophile last year, waited to read it until it was close to coming out… and am now behind on posting my review of it.  It is … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Spinning by Tillie Walden

Posted on April 29, 2018 by Katy K.

This was one of the Cybils teen graphic novel finalists.  (Although my son read and enjoyed the winner, Spill Zone, I ran out of time to read it myself.) Spinning by Tillie Walden. First Second, 2017. Tillie Walden tells first-hand her … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Graphic Novel, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Katy K.

Here’s book number three in my impromptu middle grade Latinix reading series, following Stella Martinez Has Something to Sayand A Dash of Trouble. The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya. Read by the Author. Listening Library, 2017. Arturo … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , | 5 Comments

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 →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

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 →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments