Category Archives: Reviews

The Copycat by Wendy McLeod MacKnight

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a school- and family-focused contemporary fantasy for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Apprentice Witches: Kiki’s Delivery Service and Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Katy K.

I was fortunate enough to read both a new translation of the classic Japanese fantasy book and a recent book inspired by in the same week. There is lots of charming witchy fun to be had in both of these! Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Stories, Stars, and Grandparents: When You Trap a Tiger and the Magic in Changing Your Stars

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Katy K.

I love it when happy accidents like this happen – two very different books with similar themes popping up back-to-back in my TBR. Here we have two stories involving stories, stars, and close grandparent-grandchild relationships. Continue reading →

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

Bears! Water Bears and The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two more Cybils nominees, both involving bears. Water Bears, with a Latinx author and main character, continues with the Latinx theme of the past week, while The Girl who Speaks Bear takes us to fantasy Russia. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary book with a hint of possible magic, or full-on folk tale-inspired historical fantasy, there’s a book here for you. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Katy K.

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova is a sweet quest fantasy for middle grade readers. Continue reading →

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Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Katy K.

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia is a dark but funny tale of monsters of Mexican myth and the preteens who battle them to rescue their friends perfect for your Halloween reading. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Last Mirror on the Left by Lamar Giles

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Katy K.

I’m very excited to be celebrating the release of the second book in Lamar Giles’ Legendary Alston Boys series, which began last year with The Last Last Day of Summer. Continue reading →

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New Looks at the Past: The Forgotten Girl and Thunder Run

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of friendship that ask the reader to take a new look at the past – The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown and Thunder Run. Dactyl Hill Squad Book 3 by Daniel José Older. Continue reading →

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

Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Katy K.

A silent movie action star finds adventure crossing over into her real life in Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet. Continue reading →

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

Thinky Thoughts: Four Nonfiction Books for Adults and Teens

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are shorter takes on four recent nonfiction books for adults and teens. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, books, Graphic Novel, nonfiction, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments