Category Archives: Genre

My Top 12 Posts: #11 – Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

Posted on March 19, 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. Here is #11, Maizy Chen’s Last Chance. With just 202 lifetime hits, this is not at the top … 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 , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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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Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo for MCBD 2024

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Katy K.

It’s time to celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day again! I’m reviewing this book here – be sure to head over to the website for lots of book giveaways, hundreds of reviews, and for information about the online party.  Cruzita and the … 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 →

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

Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix

Posted on January 13, 2024 by Katy K.

This is the last book I read for the Cybils this year – and it’s a lovely play on standard magic school tropes. It’s from Nigerian-British author Isi Hendrix, and has a lovely UK cover as well.  Adia Kelbara and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s the final book from my Baking Fantasy list – I enjoyed it just as much as I was hoping.  Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow. Read by Renee Dorian and Amber Dekkers. Feiwel & Friends, 2023 ISBN … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Three Tasks for a Dragon and My Head Has a Bellyache

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Katy K.

Just in case you’re still looking for a gift to give to a kid in your life, here are two beautiful books, each suited to a different kind of kid, or perhaps different moods. Both of these have been nominated for … Continue reading →

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Unconventional Epics: Abeni’s Song and Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m reading my Cybils nominations far faster than I’m able to blog them, but here are two recent reads that I really enjoyed, both classic epic fantasies with unconventional twists. Abeni’s Song by P. Djèlí Clark. Starscape, 2023. ISBN 978-1250825827. … Continue reading →

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Classics Reimagined: The Grace of Wild Things and Moongarden

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Katy K.

Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden were two books that I read and reread more times than I could count as a child. I was very happy to see these two fantasy retellings in my Cybils nominations pile … Continue reading →

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