Category Archives: Realistic

The Penderwicks at Last

Posted on September 26, 2018 by

Now is the time of year when I look at the seven pages of notes on books waiting to be reviewed, and think ahead to next week (*gulp*) when approximately 150 more will be added to my TBR.  How much … Continue reading →

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3 Great Graphic Novels for Kids

Posted on June 16, 2018 by

This weekend is the A2CAF, the Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival, which I used to love helping out with back when it was still Kids Read Comics.  Naturally, I’m at work at my regular library rather than there right now, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

Posted on June 13, 2018 by

Last time, I reviewed this year’s Schneider Family Teen award winner, You’re Welcome, Universe.  Here’s the middle grade winner. Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green. Pajama Press, 2017 Macy is in sixth grade and struggling.  She’s horrified … Continue reading →

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You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner

Posted on June 11, 2018 by

Once again, a book winning an award – in this case the Schneider Family Award – pushed me from meaning to read it someday to actually doing so. You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner. Random House Teens, 2017. Julia believes … Continue reading →

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3 Great Middle Grade Realistic Picks

Posted on June 8, 2018 by

If you’re looking for some contemporary realistic fiction, here are three solid titles for a range of tastes from full-on adventure to more introspective. To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson. Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2016. The officially-ended Greene Gang … Continue reading →

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The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Posted on June 1, 2018 by

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Harper Teen, 2018. “My parents probably wanted a girl who would sit in the pews wearing pretty florals and a soft smile. They got combat boots and a mouth silent until it’s sharp as … Continue reading →

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Saints and Misfits by S. K. Ali

Posted on May 25, 2018 by

Saints and Misfits by S. K. Ali. Salaam Reads, 2017. Meet Janna, a teen girl trying to figure out her increasingly complicated life.  She’s  committed to wearing hijab as part of her mostly artsy, layered outfits (swim suits are a … Continue reading →

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Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

Posted on May 23, 2018 by

I was planning to do another triple review in the interests of catching up, but have fallen to the reality of headaches and patrons with long reference questions (that last a much more pleasant reason!).  So more contemporary teen girls … Continue reading →

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Spinning by Tillie Walden

Posted on April 29, 2018 by

This was one of the Cybils teen graphic novel finalists.  (Although my son read and enjoyed the winner, Spill Zone, I ran out of time to read it myself.) Spinning by Tillie Walden. First Second, 2017. Tillie Walden tells first-hand her … Continue reading →

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The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

Posted on April 25, 2018 by

Here’s book number three in my impromptu middle grade Latinix reading series, following Stella Martinez Has Something to Sayand A Dash of Trouble. The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya. Read by the Author. Listening Library, 2017. Arturo … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , | 2 Comments