Category Archives: Format

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 , , , , | 1 Comment

Fast & Funny with Cookies & Cakes: Ben Yokoyama and Winnie Zeng

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Katy K.

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr and Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao are two fast and funny chapter to middle grade books that are sure to keep kids reading. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

The Enemy is Fear Part 2: Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann

Posted on December 3, 2022 by Katy K.

This one is for fans of superheroes and puzzle mysteries. Etta Invincibleby  Reese Eschmann. Illustrated by Gretel Lusky Aladdin, 2022 ISBN 9781534468375 Read from a library copy.  Chicago girl Etta lives with Quiet Days, where her ears are filled with … Continue reading →

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The Enemy is Fear: the Clackity by Lora Senf

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Katy K.

The Clackity by Lora Senf is a delightfully creepy book to please fans of both contemporary and classic fantasy horror. Continue reading →

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

The Cover was Blue: Goblin Market, Bookshop of Dust and Dreams, and Water, Water

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are three very different Cybils-nominated books, all with blue overs. Continue reading →

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

The Button Box by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-William

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Katy K.

For the younger middle grade set comes this exciting time travel adventure set in early medieval Morocco. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Katy K.

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi is a fun twist on the classic magic school story, perfect for fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Continue reading →

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