Category Archives: books

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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The Mountain of Kept Memory

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Katy K.

Take a break from real life politics with tricksy fantasy politics in a gorgeous setting in the Mountain of Kept Memory by Rachel Neumeier. Continue reading →

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October Diversity on the Shelf Update

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Katy K.

I am participating in the Diversity on the Shelf Challenge hosted by Akilah at The Englishist. This month I read 9 books by authors of color and three more by white authors with diverse protagonists. So much great reading! Continue reading →

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Author Interview: Cheryl Mahoney on The Lioness and the Spellspinners

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Katy K.

My blogging friend Cheryl Mahoney over at Tales of the Marvelous has been writing a delightful fairy tale-inspired series for young adults since 2013. I’m very pleased to interview her on my blog as part of the tour for her fourth book, The Lioness and the Spellspinners, which came out October 14. Continue reading →

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4 Mostly Fantasy Children’s Classics

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Katy K.

Here are four classic children’s books that I explored recently – the first two on audio with my children. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. Narrated by Barbara Caruso.  Print Atheneum, 1971. Audio Recorded Books, … Continue reading →

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Nominate these Audiobooks for Cybils!

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Katy K.

The Cybils Nominations are now open!   And while I’m still pondering what I want to nominate in most of the categories, I’m noticing that the brand-new audiobooks category needs some love.  I need lots more books to listen to, … Continue reading →

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