Category Archives: Genre

Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Katy K.

Here is a sweet and exciting fantasy for kids bridging up from early chapter books. Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti. Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. Epic!/Andrews McMeel, 2021. ISBN 978-1524864705. Review copy received from the publisher.   As the story opens, our … Continue reading →

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

Complex & Compelling Teen Fantasy: Legendborn and Burn

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Katy K.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn and Burn by Patrick Ness are both finalists in the Teen Speculative Fiction category of the Cybils Awards with complex, multilayered, and very compelling narratives. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Blog Tour! THE IN-BETWEEN by Rebecca K.S. Ansari

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Katy K.

I am so excited today to be part of the blog tour for this spooky, twisty brand-new middle grade book, THE IN-BETWEEN by Rebecca K.S. Ansari. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Format, Genre, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Picture Books: Odd Dog Out and Ronan the Librarian

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Katy K.

Here I am belatedly reviewing some picture books that came my way last year, because just because 2020 was rough doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hear about these fun books, both stressing the power of staying true to yourself to … Continue reading →

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Shifting Friendships: a Middle School Book List

Posted on January 13, 2021 by Katy K.

When my teen librarian, Ms. D, and I started talking about a realistic fiction list for middle school, the way that formerly close friendships often start shifting in middle school came up as a particularly relevant topic. I’d been working … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Leaving Safety: The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street and Cleo Porter and the Body Electric

Posted on December 22, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of girls – one past, one future – leaving the safety of their homes for the first time, and the adventures that follow. Continue reading →

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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 →

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

8 Winter Fantasy Books for Middle Grade Readers

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are a selection of Christmas, Yule, and general winter-themed books for 4th through 8th grade readers. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

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 →

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

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 , , , , , | 1 Comment