Category Archives: Format

Middle School beyond the Margins: Song for a Whale and Keep it Together, Keiko Carter

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Katy K.

These days, my work of trying to get books celebrating marginalized voices into kids’ hands seems too little, too slow.  I’m trying to find meaningful ways to support more current and active anti-racism work, while still keeping on with sharing … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

12 Snuggle-Worthy Picture Books on Hoopla

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a look at some picture books that I love and was thrilled to find on hoopla.  Several of these have attached audio, so kids not yet able to read on their own can enjoy on their own.  But of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, picture books, Print, Realistic | Tagged , | Leave a comment

3 Ground-breaking LGBTQ Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Katy K.

I realize that I missed that halfway point of the#CybilsReadDown on May 15, but I thought I’d do a quick check-in while it’s still May.  I started off with 13 books on my already-read, need to review pile, 12 books … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Challenges, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

YA Blockbusters: Aurora Rising and Call Down the Hawk

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two series-starters by authors of previous hot, hot YA series, both of which my teen and I have enjoyed. Aurora Rising was on my #CybilsReadDown lists, while Call Down the Hawk was the last book I took notes … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Challenges, Fantasy, Reviews, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Beautiful Fantasies: Mulan: Before the Sword and A Wish in the Dark

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two recent middle grade fantasies that both feature thoughtful main characters involved in epic adventures.  I’m reviewing them together because of that similarity, but hey, it’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, so if you’re still looking for a book to read to celebrate, both of these are excellent choices. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Challenges, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Modern Life with Gods: Race to the Sun and Maya and the Rising Dark

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two books from my #CybilsReadDown pile, both exciting contemporary fantasy in which modern-day kids find that their culture’s traditional Gods are, let’s say, highly relevant to their present lives.  Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. Read by … Continue reading →

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

8 Realistic Fiction Books for Kids on Hoopla

Posted on May 19, 2020 by Katy K.

Once again this week, I’m giving a list of tried-and-true favorites plucked from the vast array of choices available from Hoopla Digital.  This week, I thought I’d focus on realistic fiction, since (as counter-intuitive as it feels to me personally), … Continue reading →

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Planet Omar: Accidental Danger Magnet and Year of the Dog

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two funny and heartwarming books for the not-quite-middle-grade to middle grade set.  Accidental Danger Magnet by Zanib Mian is from my official #CybilsReadDown pile; The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin was purchased afterwards.   Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Guest Post: Graphic Novels for Adults & Teens on Hoopla

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Katy K.

A couple weeks ago, when I shared the list of graphic novels for kids on hoopla that I put together here on Facebook, my friend Adi started commenting with more and more titles of graphic novels that he’d read and … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, books, Graphic Novel, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Enjoying What Is: Paladin’s Grace and Iron Hearted Violet

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Katy K.

It’s so easy to make things harder for ourselves by focusing on the way we think things should be, rather than the way things really are.  Here are two stories (Paladin’s Grace for adults, Iron Hearted Violet for kids) about … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Romance | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments