Category Archives: books

12 Girl-Led Read-alouds for K/1s

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Katy K.

There’s been a lot of discussion about how people think that boys will only read or enjoy books about other boys.  I beg to differ.  It’s taken several months – but here at last is a list of girl-led read-alouds … Continue reading →

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Evil Wizard Smallbone

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Katy K.

Today, a review of a Cybils Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist. The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman. Candlewick, 2017. Nick Reynaud’s life has been harsh since his mother died, leaving him in the hands of his uncle and cousin Jerry, … Continue reading →

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Cybils Winners

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Katy K.

Hooray!  Hooray!  The Cybils winners are out, and for the first time ever, a book that I nominated made it to be the winner.  The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz is the winner in the Audiobooks category.  I love this … Continue reading →

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Two Naomis

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Katy K.

Tomorrow is Cybils Day!  I’m still reading finalists at home and am happy to report that my daughter gave two thumbs up to Early Chapter Books Finalists Weekends with Max and His Dad by Linda Urban. Thanks once again to … Continue reading →

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Illuminae

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Katy K.

I put the sequel to this book, Gemina, on my want-to-read list after reading the Book Smugglers review of it.  (Those Book Smugglers!  Always lengthening my list!) I started this one when it was nominated for a Cybils Audiobook award, … Continue reading →

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Sacrifice

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Katy K.

Sacrifice by Cindy Pon. Month9Books, 2016. Cindy Pon’s previous book, Serpentine, ended on a dramatic cliff hanger, leaving me waiting a year to find out what would happen next.  If you haven’t yet read Serpentine, you might wish to do … Continue reading →

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The Firefly Code

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Katy K.

It was a little jarring after two years on the Round One panel for the Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction to find that I had read only half of the finalists.  Here’s one that I had read, thanks to Brandy … Continue reading →

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Me and Marvin Gardens and Ninja Librarians: The Sword in the Stacks

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are two recent middle grade books that I was inspired to read by Kidlitcon, as both of these authors were there. Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King. Arthur A. Levine Books, January 31, 2017. I received this … Continue reading →

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2016 Review: the Books

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Katy K.

Here at last are some of my top favorite books from 2016 First, my standard disclaimer about rating books: “I have never liked doing a public scale rating of books – the librarian in me would rather describe what’s in the … Continue reading →

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Lou Lou and Pea and the Mural Mystery for Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Katy K.

Today is Multicultural Children’s Book Day, started by Mia Wenjen of Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr of JumpIntoaBook.com. I am super excited to be part of the blogger team supporting this! I’m reviewing the middle grade book Lou Lou and Pea and the Mural Mystery by Jill Diamond for MCBD and #readyourworld . Continue reading →

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