Category Archives: Fantasy

The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Posted on August 3, 2024 by Katy K.

The discovery of a hidden library full of secrets takes 12-year-old Dally on adventures through over a century of her family’s history in this thought-provoking adventure. Continue reading →

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The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: A Cozy Fantasy Starring a Librarian with Unexpected Adventures

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Katy K.

As soon as I heard about this book, I was hooked. I’ve enjoyed lots of books by Sarah Beth Durst in the past, but a cozy fantasy starring a librarian – with jam and a sentient plant friend – was … Continue reading →

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Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz

Posted on July 27, 2024 by Katy K.

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz is a tale of WWII trials that’s clear-eyed, nuanced, and funny. Continue reading →

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Werewolves and Selkies: Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf and The Selkie’s Daughter

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two tales of fantastical creatures rarely covered in middle grade literature, one contemporary, one historical, both excellent. Continue reading →

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Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Katy K.

A sentient escape house tries to trap its guests in a blizzard, while the kids must keep the adults from making things worse, all complicated by a litter of adorably curious kittens. I have enjoyed many of Jenn Reese’s books, … Continue reading →

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A Game of Noctis by Deva Fagan

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Katy K.

I’d been taking an unplanned break from middle grade fantasy when Ms. Fagan emailed me to ask if I’d like to review her latest book.  As I really enjoyed some of her past books, including her 2021 superhero story Nightingale … Continue reading →

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My Top 12 Posts #8 – 12 Magical Teen Fantasy Books on Hoopla

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Katy K.

In celebration of my 20th blogiversary, I’m reblogging the posts that have gotten the most views in the time they’ve been published. From here to the top spot, the rest of this list of top posts are all book lists … Continue reading →

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2023 Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Katy K.

The hard-working 2023 Cybils panel picked out their 7 favorite elementary and middle grade graphic novels. Here are my takes, with notes on my kid’s favorites. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Katy K.

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub Bloomsbury, 2024 ISBN 9781547609284 Review copy kindly sent by the publisher. 16-year-old Hazeem has spent this year following his father’s death wallowing in depression, getting out of bed to make sure his mom … Continue reading →

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BLOG TOUR – Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Katy K.

Dear readers, I am so excited to once again be part of the blog tour for Anne Ursu’s latest book! This is one braids together a realistic middle school story with one of unease and slowly developing horror.  ABOUT THE BOOK … Continue reading →

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