Category Archives: Format

Guest Post: Author Nancy McCabe on the inspiration for her new MG book, Fires Burning Underground

Join me for a guest post by Nancy McCabe on the inspirations for her new middle grade novel, Fires Burning Underground. Continue reading

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Monthly Book Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: March 2025

My brief thoughts of the 16 books I read in March – so many books I loved! Continue reading

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis: Magic, Romance, and Royal Intrigue

It’s always a happy day when Stephanie Burgis comes out with a new book, and this, her first traditionally-published book for adults in many years, is especially exciting. If you’re in the mood for a cozy fantasy romance with crows, … Continue reading

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Adventures and Prejudice: Accidental Demons and Sona and the Golden Beasts

Here are reivew of Accidental Demons by Clare Edge and Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca, two of the 2024 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Finalists that I didn’t get to back when I first read them. Continue reading

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Cozy Fantasies with Cats: Literary Escapes

Here are two cozy fantasies – both with cats – to comfort and inspire: The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner and The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong. Continue reading

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MG Epic Fantasy Book Reviews: Splinter and Ash & Nox Winters

Here are two epic fantasy stories, one with a classic medieval European-like setting, and one contemporary, both hard to put down. Continue reading

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Farrah Noorzad and Amir: Journeys with Jinn for Kids

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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Exploring Found Family in Middle Grade: The Flicker and Wishbone

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon and Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans are both stories of kids trying to find their way through grim circumstances, learning about themselves and creating found families along the way. Continue reading

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

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

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

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