Category Archives: Historical

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 , , , , , , | 3 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 →

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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 , , , , , | 7 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

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Katy K.

Back in 2016, I made a list of the top 10 fantasy authors I’d never read.  – (I still need to get to three more of those authors!) Erin Bow was on that list, though I put the cover for … Continue reading →

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Rebel Girls and Gowns: YA Graphic Novels

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Katy K.

Continuing with the graphic novels, here are some aimed at teens (or at least, from the teen section of the library.)  Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang. First Second Books, 2018. This book was tearing up the award and … Continue reading →

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Cats and the Sea: Graphic Novels for Kids

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Katy K.

I’ve found myself reading a lot of graphic novels lately.  Here are some for the elementary to middle grade set.  Curiously enough, they all have either cats or the sea as central themes – or both, in the case of Sea … Continue reading →

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2019 Newberys: Merci Suárez Changes Gears and The Night Diary

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Katy K.

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 Katy K.

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 , , , , , , | 6 Comments