Category Archives: Print

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cuevas

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Katy K.

Here’s a story of growing up in a military family, making new friends – and battling an evil witch from Costa Rican legend in small-town Texas. Continue reading →

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The Power of Kindness: Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls and Flight of the Puffin

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Katy K.

In both the fantasy Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera and the realistic story Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden, kindness is the secret power that wins the day. Continue reading →

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Root Magic by Eden Royce

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Katy K.

In 1963 South Carolina, Jezebel and her brother Jay are trying to learn the traditional Root magic their late grandmother practiced in time to save themselves from monsters both supernatural and human. Continue reading →

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Life Between Cultures: Red, White and Whole and Amina’s Song

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Katy K.

ere are two moving stories from Rajani LaRocca and Hena Khan, both authors I’ve enjoyed in the past, telling stories of middle school life for first-generation Americans, and which hit the spot for me so perfectly it was really hard to put them down. Continue reading →

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Strange Birds: a Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers

Posted on June 26, 2021 by Katy K.

Strange Birds: a Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez. is a Scout-flavored book of friendship during a Florida summer for young activists. Continue reading →

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BLOG TOUR! Hollow Chest by Brita Sandstrom

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Katy K.

My blog tour stop for Hollow Chest – “Debut author Brita Sandstrom arrives with a sweeping, unforgettable historical ghost story of the darkness around and inside us, and the courage it takes to keep hope alive.” Continue reading →

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Cattywampus and Cinders and Sparrows

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Katy K.

Every year I participate in the Cybils Awards, I read books more quickly than I can review them. Here are a couple of the books I’d wanted to share with you since the fall.  Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo. Scholastic, … Continue reading →

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Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Katy K.

I had worked closely with Angeline Boulley on putting together the Decolonizing Libraries panel for the KidLitCon 2020 that never happened, so naturally between that and being a book set in my home state, I went out and bought my … Continue reading →

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More Modern Adventures with Gods: Girl Giant and the Monkey King and City of the Plague God

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Katy K.

Two stories in which modern-day kids get entangled with the living mythology of their culture, both great for fans of the Percy Jackson books. Continue reading →

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Food, Friendship, and Immigration – Measuring Up and A Place at the Table

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are two and a half reviews of books for middle grade readers that combine cooking (or eating together) with making friends and the immigrant experience. What could be yummier? Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu. Harper Alley, … Continue reading →

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