Category Archives: Format

Exploring Found Family in Middle Grade: The Flicker and Wishbone

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Katy K.

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 →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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 →

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Journeys with Introverted Kids: The First State of Being, Olivetti, and The Sky over Rebecca

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are three Cybils nominees all featuring beautiful stories of introverted kids who must reach out of themelves and their comfort zones to make things right for those around them. Continue reading →

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Gaslamp Fantasies: A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience and Tea and Sympathetic Magic

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Katy K.

Short reviews of two deliciously bite-sized romantic gaslamp fantasy novellas, one by personal favorite Stephanie Burgis and one by new-to-me author Tansy Raynor Roberts. Continue reading →

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Discover Nigerian Fantasy: Middle Grade and Teen Picks

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Katy K.

Whether you’re exploring your own heritage or looking for something new to you, there is so much magic to be found in these Nigerian-inspired fantasy books – 6 middle grade and 5 YA. Continue reading →

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Blog Tour: THE CREEPENING OF DOGWOOD HOUSE

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Katy K.

Join me for the blog tour of Eden Royce’s latest book, THE CREEPENING OF DOGWOOD HOUSE, featuring hair horror and an old and magical house. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Posted on August 3, 2024 by Katy K.

The discovery of a hidden library full of secrets takes 12-year-old Dally on adventures through over a century of her family’s history in this thought-provoking adventure. Continue reading →

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The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: A Cozy Fantasy Starring a Librarian with Unexpected Adventures

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Katy K.

As soon as I heard about this book, I was hooked. I’ve enjoyed lots of books by Sarah Beth Durst in the past, but a cozy fantasy starring a librarian – with jam and a sentient plant friend – was … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz

Posted on July 27, 2024 by Katy K.

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz is a tale of WWII trials that’s clear-eyed, nuanced, and funny. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Historical, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments