Category Archives: Historical

2019 Newberys: Merci Suárez Changes Gears and The Night Diary

Posted on July 15, 2019 by

Here are reviews of this year’s Newbery and Newbery honor books.  I had read just one of these when it first came out, The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.  And shout-out to my blogging friend Sondy at Sonderbooks, … Continue reading →

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Sequels: Fated Sky, Exit Strategy, The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy

Posted on June 5, 2019 by

Sometimes I read the first book in a series and never go on.  Other times I keep up in fits and starts. Here’s me trying to keep up.  All of these deserve longer reviews, but here’s to living with reality. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Historical, Print, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Miss Buncle’s Book for Old School Wednesday

Posted on May 15, 2019 by

I’m going to borrow a feature title from the Book Smugglers again and call this Old School Wednesday – taking a break from trying to keep up with the latest hot releases by reading an older book.  This one first … Continue reading →

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Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on February 15, 2019 by

The Cybils Award winners were announced yesterday!  So many good books – some I’ve read already and some to add to the TBR!  I’m so happy that Nevermoor: the Trials of Morrigan Crow won in my Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

Posted on January 16, 2019 by

Back to some Cybils books while I tabulate more end-of-year things. Sweep: the Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier. Amulet Books, 2018. Nan Sparrow lived with the Sweep, a kindly man who took care of her, teaching … Continue reading →

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3 Holiday Picture Books + Bonus Craft Book

Posted on December 23, 2018 by

This year, I was given a last-minute request to read a Christmas book to the Girl Scout Junior troop. Here’s what I found on the shelves. Under the Christmas Tree by Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. HarperCollins, 2002. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Historical, nonfiction, picture books, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinksy.

Posted on December 4, 2018 by

Happy Hanukkah!  Here’s a quick break from my Cybils reviews for this beautiful new Hanukkah book. All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinksy. Schwartz & Wade Books/Penguin Random House, 2018. I remember finding and loving the All-of-a-Kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, picture books, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Atmospheric Fantasy: The Turning and Strange Star

Posted on November 29, 2018 by

Here are two Cybils nominees with misty settings and strong characters. The Turning by Emily Whitman. Greenwillow Books, 2018. Aran (whose skin color is not mentioned) has lived all his life with the selkies.  Even though he’s stuck in ”longlimbs” … Continue reading →

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2 for Teens: Dread Nation and Tess of the Road

Posted on October 12, 2018 by

Just a few more days of Cybils nominations!  I’ve updated my list of Cybils hopefuls to note which books have since been nominated – as of this writing, four of the twelve books I wrote about. Dread Nation: Rise Up … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Historical, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Everfair by Nisi Shawl

Posted on June 22, 2018 by

It’s summer reading time at the library.  I love crowds of kids excited about reading, but it does make it challenging to get anything else done.  But waiting patiently in my own review queue, I have a trio of African-based … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Historical | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments