Category Archives: Reviews

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Katy K.

When this book showed up on the hold shelf, as so often happens for me, I had forgotten how I heard about it and why I’d put it on hold. Once I started reading, though, I was very grateful to … Continue reading →

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

3 Cybils YA Speculative Fiction Finalists

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are reviews of three of the 2022 Cybils YA Spec Fic finalists – From Dust, a Flame by Rebecca Podos, See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon., and How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal by Donna Galanti

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Katy K.

Read about the exciting finale to the Unicorn Island series, as spoiler free as I could make it. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things and Figure it Out, Henri Weldon

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Katy K.

Friends, usually I try to group books of similar themes for similar age groups in my reviews. But today, in the effort to get some reviews out where you can see them, I am just putting out a teen book … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

3 2022 Cybils MG Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are three original and compelling middle grade graphic novels from the 2022 Cybils finalist list. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

No True Villains: Children of the Quicksands and Eden’s Everdark

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two of the 2022 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalists, both with real problems but no real villains. Continue reading →

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

3 2022 MG Fic Finalists: Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater, and Thirst

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m continuing my read-through of 2022 Cybils finalists with three more middle grade fiction titles – Attack of the Black Rectangles, Freewater (which also won the Newbery) and Thirst. Continue reading →

Posted in Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A Half-Built Garden by Ruthanna Emrys

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a dire and hopeful story of climate crisis and first contact that’s sticking with me months after I read it. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Reviews, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

2 2022 Cybils MG Fic Finalists: Air and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are my takes on two of the latest Cybils Middle Grade Fiction finalists – Air by Monica Roe and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone by Tae Keller. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Mirrorwood by Deva Fagan

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Katy K.

Two enemies chase each other into the enchanted Mirrorwood – and discover that breaking the curse will be more complicated than either of them realized. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments