Category Archives: Historical

Reading with My Son – the Middle School Years

Posted on March 23, 2021 by Katy K.

At a friend’s request, I put together a list of the audiobooks and read-alouds my son and I read together when he was in middle school. I hope you enjoy these as much as we did. Continue reading →

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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 →

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Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Katy K.

A silent movie action star finds adventure crossing over into her real life in Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet. Continue reading →

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The League of Secret Heroes: Cape and Mask by Kate Hannigan

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Katy K.

Once again, being behind both in reading and reviewing means that I get to review the first two books of a series at the same time.  I have enjoyed every book I’ve read by Kate Hannigan so far (see Cupcake … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Historical, Lists, Print | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Show Me a Sign and Indian No More

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Katy K.

There are two very exciting things about these books – first, they are both fantastic, and from underrepresented voices.  Secondly (okay, maybe more exciting for me than for you, dear reader) is that I got both of these books in … Continue reading →

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Magical History: 12 Takes on Our Past + Magic for Teens

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here is the fourth in my series of lists for teens, this one featuring 14 great historical fantasy picks. Continue reading →

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In the Dakotas: Apple in the Middle and Prairie Lotus

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of girls growing up in the Dakotas – one modern and one in the past. Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley. NDSU, 2018. 9781946163073. Read from library copy. Dawn Quigley would have been one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Graphic Novels: This Place, Guts, Best Friends

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s my #CybilsReadDown Reckoning, plus reviews of three don’t-miss graphic novels (one YA, two middle grade) – This Place:150 Years Retold by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm,  Sonny Assu, and Brandon Mitchell et al., Guts by Raina Telgemeier, and Best Friends by Shannon Hale. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Graphic Novel, Historical, Middle Grade, Realistic, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Beautiful Fantasies: Mulan: Before the Sword and A Wish in the Dark

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two recent middle grade fantasies that both feature thoughtful main characters involved in epic adventures.  I’m reviewing them together because of that similarity, but hey, it’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, so if you’re still looking for a book to read to celebrate, both of these are excellent choices. Continue reading →

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

Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens

Posted on December 6, 2019 by Katy K.

This year I finally read all the books in this series that are available in the U.S.  I may have read this one over the summer and saved the review until it was more seasonally appropriate… what could go better … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments