Category Archives: Format

No True Villains: Children of the Quicksands and Eden’s Everdark

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two of the 2022 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalists, both with real problems but no real villains. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged African-American, atmospheric, Cybils, Nigeria, youth fantasy, youth horror | 5 Comments

Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a fresh and funny book from Stacey Lee and Rick Riordan presents, featuring an accident-prone boy and a whole lot of dangerous magical artifacts. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged Chinese-American, mythology, Rick Riordan Presents, San Francisco, Stacey Lee, youth fantasy | 3 Comments

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 censorship, equity, water, youth fiction, youth historical fiction | 2 Comments

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 Chinese-American, humor, Japanese-American, magical baking, Middle Grade, not quite middle grade, youth fantasy, youth fiction | 2 Comments

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 cli-fi, environment, first contact, Jewish, LGBTQ, science fiction | 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 aliens, bullying, Cybils, disabilities, sports, Tae Keller, youth fiction | 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 Cybils, Deva Fagan, fairy tales, Sleeping Beauty, youth fantasy | 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 →