Category Archives: Print

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

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 →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

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 →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

African Superheroes: Shuri by Nic Stone and Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of African superheroes by African-American authors: Shuri by Nic Stone and Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

New Looks at the Past: The Forgotten Girl and Thunder Run

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of friendship that ask the reader to take a new look at the past – The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown and Thunder Run. Dactyl Hill Squad Book 3 by Daniel José Older. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments