Category Archives: books

TTT: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read For the First Time In 2016

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Katy K.

Here are ten of my favorite new authors for 2016, with great stories for middle grade, teen and adult readers. Continue reading →

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Diversity on the Shelf November Update

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Katy K.

I am participating in the Diversity on the Shelf Challenge hosted by Akilah at The Englishist. I finished a total of 23 books in November, of which five were by authors of color and two more were by white authors with main characters of color. Continue reading →

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TTT: Holiday Gift Guide: Books for a 9-Year-Old Boy

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Katy K.

It’s taken me a little while to put together this response to last week’s Top 10 Tuesday prompt (hosted as always by the good folks at the Broke and the Bookish), a free form gift guide. What direction did I … Continue reading →

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#WNDB Wednesday: the Treasure of Maria Mamoun and Summer Showers

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Katy K.

An island mystery – and cupcakes for the county fair. What could be better? The Treasure of Maria Mamoun by Michelle Chalfoun and Summer Showers. Cupcake Cousins Number 2 by Kate Hannigan. Continue reading →

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The Birchbark House and The Game of Silence

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Katy K.

For the past 14 years, I have recommended this series to every family that’s come to me asking for something to read after reading the Little House books. This year, I finally started the series myself.  I am so glad … Continue reading →

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The Lioness and the Spellspinner

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Katy K.

Elements from many different fairy tales combine in this story that works as a prequel to Mahoney’s “Twelve Dancing Princesses” retelling The Storyteller and Her Sisters.  If you missed it, be sure to read my latest interview with Cheryl. The … Continue reading →

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Four Fantastic Fantasies

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Katy K.

Here are four mostly recent middle grade fantasies, all by authors I’ve enjoyed in the past, including Mike Jung, Nnedi Okorafor, Diane Zahler and Ursula Vernon. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Reviews | 14 Comments

War: The Lost Heir and Guts and Glory: WWII

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Katy K.

My Cybils audiobook listening continues with two middle grade books about war, one fantasy with dragons and one historical. Continue reading →

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2 Diverse Audiobooks -The Inquisitor’s Tale & Momotaro: Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Katy K.

In which I review two action-packed, Cybils-nominated middle grade audiobooks, The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz and Momotaro: Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters by Margaret Dilloway Continue reading →

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11 Girl-Led Read-alouds for 2/3 Grade

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Katy K.

This is a list of diverse girl-led read-alouds to appeal to the whole class, to spread love and understanding. Continue reading →

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