Category Archives: books

Dark Surroundings, Bright Spirits: 3 Novels

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are three books for teens and middle grade students that take a hard look at the African-American experience through the eyes of strong young people Continue reading →

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The Shadow Cipher. York Book 1 by Laura Ruby

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Katy K.

The Shadow Cipher. York Book 1 by Laura Ruby. Walden Pond Press, 2017. Over a hundred years ago, the two Morningstarr siblings created York as the jewel of America.  Tall, glittering buildings with elevators that go all different directions, subways … Continue reading →

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Roses and Rot by Kat Howard

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Katy K.

My blogging friend Maureen at By Singing Light, like myself, is a fan of a well-retold Tam Lin story – so when she got excited about this story, I paid attention.  A column by the author on John Scalzi’s blog … Continue reading →

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Diverse Reading Round-up Fall 2017

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Katy K.

It looks like I missed the last couple of my planned diverse reading round-ups – the last one I could find was my March and April Diverse Reading.  Here’s what I’ve read since then, with links to reviews if I’ve … Continue reading →

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Ninefox Gambit

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Katy K.

A quick review of some twisty military sci-fi for adults, before Cybils middle grade spec fic takes over the blog as it has already, of course, taken over my reading. (Have you nominated yet?  There are still a couple of … Continue reading →

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Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Katy K.

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor. Viking, 2017. At last, a long-awaited sequel to Akata Witch, complete with new covers for both books.  It’s been just a year in book time since Sunny Nwazue and her three juju-learning Leopard team mates … Continue reading →

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A Crack in the Sea by H.M. Bouwman

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Katy K.

The last time I wrote about an eligible, not-yet-nominated Cybils book, it was nominated before I posted my review.  Will the same thing work again? (Cybils nominations close October 15, if you haven’t yet nominated!) A Crack in the Sea … Continue reading →

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The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

Posted on October 7, 2017 by Katy K.

Does it get much better than dragons and chocolate? The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis. Bloomsbury, 2017. Aventurine is a young dragon bored of staying in the caves.  Young dragons are expected to stay in their caves … Continue reading →

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It’s Cybils Nominating Time!

Posted on October 4, 2017 by Katy K.

It’s Cybils nominations season!  Once again, I’m very excited to be a round 1 panelist in the fabulous (literally) Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category (click through for a full category description).  We need your help!  You, yes you, can nominate … Continue reading →

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Two Family Adventures: The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher and the Lotterys Plus One

Posted on September 29, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of the classic family adventure type, but featuring same-sex parents. Both of them also have families formed by adoption, so adopted kids with many kinds of parents could see themselves reflected in these books. Misadventures of … Continue reading →

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