Category Archives: Realistic

2+2 Cybils Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are reviews of four more outstanding 2021 Cybils Graphic Novel finalists – Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby, The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor, Cheer Up!: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Fraiser, and Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smyth. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

3 More Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Finalists

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Katy K.

Onwards with my reading of this year’s Cybils middle grade fiction finalists with reviews of Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas, A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus and Linked by Gordon Korman! Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Amah Faraway by Margaret Chiu Greanias. Illustrated by Tracy Subisak

Posted on March 16, 2022 by Katy K.

A heartwarming and beautifully painted picture book about a girl building a real relationship with her grandmother when she and her mother travel to Taiwan. Continue reading →

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3 Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Finalists

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are three more outstanding books in my read-through of 2021 Cybils Finalists – Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh, Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler, and Violets are Blue by Barbara Dee.
Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Four 2021 Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are short reviews of four of the seven finalists in the elementary/middle grade graphic novel category of the 2021 Cybils Awards, including Borders, Chunky, Jukebox, and Salt Magic. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Interview with Joy Jones

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Katy K.

I have a treat for you today, my friends – an interview with author Joy Jones, in honor of the paperback release of her book, Jayla Jumps In. Continue reading →

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

Don’t Hate the Player by Alexis Nedd

Posted on August 25, 2021 by Katy K.

Here’s a sweet-tart teen romance between players on rival video game teams that doesn’t gloss over the barriers that face female players. Continue reading →

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Life Between Cultures: Red, White and Whole and Amina’s Song

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Katy K.

ere are two moving stories from Rajani LaRocca and Hena Khan, both authors I’ve enjoyed in the past, telling stories of middle school life for first-generation Americans, and which hit the spot for me so perfectly it was really hard to put them down. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Strange Birds: a Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers

Posted on June 26, 2021 by Katy K.

Strange Birds: a Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez. is a Scout-flavored book of friendship during a Florida summer for young activists. Continue reading →

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

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Posted on June 4, 2021 by Katy K.

I had worked closely with Angeline Boulley on putting together the Decolonizing Libraries panel for the KidLitCon 2020 that never happened, so naturally between that and being a book set in my home state, I went out and bought my … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments