Category Archives: Genre

Guest Post: Author Nancy McCabe on the inspiration for her new MG book, Fires Burning Underground

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Katy K.

Join me for a guest post by Nancy McCabe on the inspirations for her new middle grade novel, Fires Burning Underground. Continue reading →

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Monthly Book Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: March 2025

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Katy K.

My brief thoughts of the 16 books I read in March – so many books I loved! Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis: Magic, Romance, and Royal Intrigue

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Katy K.

It’s always a happy day when Stephanie Burgis comes out with a new book, and this, her first traditionally-published book for adults in many years, is especially exciting. If you’re in the mood for a cozy fantasy romance with crows, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Print, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Adventures and Prejudice: Accidental Demons and Sona and the Golden Beasts

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are reivew of Accidental Demons by Clare Edge and Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca, two of the 2024 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Finalists that I didn’t get to back when I first read them. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Cozy Fantasies with Cats: Literary Escapes

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are two cozy fantasies – both with cats – to comfort and inspire: The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner and The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong. Continue reading →

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

Exploring Grief in Renée Watson’s All the Blues in the Sky

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Katy K.

Grief comes whether we want it to or not, and All the Blues in the Sky by Renee Watson is a beautiful and sensitive verse exploration. Continue reading →

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Cybils 2024: 15 Middle Grade Spec Fic Books that Got Away

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are 15 books that didn’t quite make the cut for the 7 finalists chosen by the Cybils Round 1 panel that I still loved. They all have strong characters and range from classic fantasy to science fiction, time travel to cryptids. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

2024 Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Cybils Finalists

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Katy K.

After much reading, the 7 middle grade speculative Cybils finalists, with links to my reviews where available! Continue reading →

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

Farrah Noorzad and Amir: Journeys with Jinn for Kids

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils-nominated books with rich worldbuilding, fast action, and thought-provoking themes: Farrah Noorazad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur, and Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Exploring Found Family in Middle Grade: The Flicker and Wishbone

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Katy K.

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon and Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans are both stories of kids trying to find their way through grim circumstances, learning about themselves and creating found families along the way. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments