Category Archives: Reviews

Little Monsters by Máire Roche for MMGM

Posted on October 25, 2026 by Katy K.

Here’s a contemporary, Halloween-y retelling of Little Women, perfect for middle grade readers. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Continuing Gaslamp Adventures: A Waltz of Sinister Import, Stormsong, and Soulstar

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Katy K.

In which I look at book 3 of the Lady and Lord Riven series by Stephanie Burgis and books 2 and 3 of the Kingston Cycle by C.L. Polk. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Magic and Mental Health: Rialto and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Katy K.

On the surface, these two books don’t have much in common with each other. Rialto by Kate Milford is a contemporary middle grade fantasy book with all of the magic weaving in and out of everyday life that I’d expect … Continue reading →

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Engaging Chapter Books: The Mighty Macy, Raquel Reyes, The Avian Adventurers, and Heartwood Hotel

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Katy K.

I talk about three new chapter books and one older but very popular book – all aimed at about middle elementary school-aged kids, including books by Kwame Alexander, Angela Cervantes, Heidi E.Y. Stemple, and Kallie George. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

3 Fantasy Graphic Novels for Kids: Camp Monster, Goat Magic, and the Space Cat

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three different takes on fantasy/sci-fi adventures for kids in graphic novel format. Misunderstandings and pranks take the lead in Camp Monster; a princess in exile needs the help of goats and their herder in Goat Magic, and a cat has multiple funny/serious adventures with aliens in The Space Cat. Continue reading →

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Magic and Secrets: The Ink Witch, Farrah Noorzad and the Realm of Nightmares, and Scarlet Morning

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three fantasy books where kids uncover secrets and find that solving their personal problems might just help the larger world as well. The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywell. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025. ISBN 978-0316585941. Read … Continue reading →

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Middle School Betrayals: A Field Guide to Broken Promises and A Split Second

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Katy K.

A Field Guide to Broken Promises and A Split Second are two moving stories of middle school girls blindsided by betrayals from friends and sometimes family, each with a slight speculative twist Continue reading →

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Farrah Noorzad and Amir: Journeys with Jinn for Kids

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils-nominated books with rich worldbuilding, fast action, and thought-provoking themes: Farrah Noorazad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur, and Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan. Continue reading →

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Summer Camp Scares: It Came from the Trees and The Last Rhee Witch

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Katy K.

These two excellently terrifying Cybils-nominated books for middle grade readers set duriing summer camping trips. Continue reading →

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Review of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Katy K.

Both timely and timeless, Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell is a book you definitely want to read. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments