Category Archives: Print

Mansions, Mysteries & the Fair Folk in Thirteens and The Clockwork Crow

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils-nominated fantasy books, one contemporary and one fantasy, one set at Halloween and one at Christmas, that nevertheless have many elements in common, including the exploration of mostly empty mansions and stopping the disappearance of children at the hands of the Fae. Continue reading →

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The Girl and the Ghost and The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow

Posted on November 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s trying to catch up with my reading, with two stories mixing introspection, action, and dealings with the supernatural. Continue reading →

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The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Katy K.

Loosely defined magic and sharply drawn characters mix to form an atmospheric story of a blended family coming together, with book magic and a giant cat. Continue reading →

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Apprentice Witches: Kiki’s Delivery Service and Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Katy K.

I was fortunate enough to read both a new translation of the classic Japanese fantasy book and a recent book inspired by in the same week. There is lots of charming witchy fun to be had in both of these! Continue reading →

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Stories, Stars, and Grandparents: When You Trap a Tiger and the Magic in Changing Your Stars

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Katy K.

I love it when happy accidents like this happen – two very different books with similar themes popping up back-to-back in my TBR. Here we have two stories involving stories, stars, and close grandparent-grandchild relationships. Continue reading →

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Bears! Water Bears and The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two more Cybils nominees, both involving bears. Water Bears, with a Latinx author and main character, continues with the Latinx theme of the past week, while The Girl who Speaks Bear takes us to fantasy Russia. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary book with a hint of possible magic, or full-on folk tale-inspired historical fantasy, there’s a book here for you. Continue reading →

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The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Katy K.

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova is a sweet quest fantasy for middle grade readers. Continue reading →

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Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster.

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Katy K.

I promised more Latinx fantasy a few days ago – and here we are! Columbian-American debut author Alex Aster delivers a refreshingly new take on the epic fantasy quest, inspired by her abuela’s stories. Continue reading →

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Magic, Friendship and Community: Muse Squad, Weird Little Robots, If We Were Giants

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Katy K.

Every September before Cybils nominations open, I look around for eligible books that I can read in the meantime.  Here are three that I enjoyed that were not nominated, though there are still a few days for their publishers or … Continue reading →

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The Last Mirror on the Left by Lamar Giles

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Katy K.

I’m very excited to be celebrating the release of the second book in Lamar Giles’ Legendary Alston Boys series, which began last year with The Last Last Day of Summer. Continue reading →

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