Category Archives: Realistic

Shifting Friendships: a Middle School Book List

Posted on January 13, 2021 by Katy K.

When my teen librarian, Ms. D, and I started talking about a realistic fiction list for middle school, the way that formerly close friendships often start shifting in middle school came up as a particularly relevant topic. I’d been working … Continue reading →

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

Bears! Water Bears and The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two more Cybils nominees, both involving bears. Water Bears, with a Latinx author and main character, continues with the Latinx theme of the past week, while The Girl who Speaks Bear takes us to fantasy Russia. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary book with a hint of possible magic, or full-on folk tale-inspired historical fantasy, there’s a book here for you. Continue reading →

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

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Katy K.

Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of Esperanza Rising and Echo, returns with Mañanaland, a Cybils nominee that falls right on the border of realism and fantasy. Continue reading →

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Top 13 Books I Missed Reviewing in the Past Year for Top 10 Tuesday

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Katy K.

Because I couldn’t pick just 10, here are the top 13 books I read over the past year and didn’t write full reviews of for Top Ten Tuesday. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print, Realistic, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Superman Smashes the Klan and Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Posted on September 19, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two recent books by perennial favorite Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese  and The Shadow Hero, among many others. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

3 Tales of Kids Countering Prejudice with New Passions

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three stories of kids working against prejudice to find pride in who they are, as well as learning new skills along the way, with books by Nikki Grimes, Alyssa Zaczek, and Jewell Parker Rhodes. Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Summer and Winter: Stepping Stones and Midwinter Witch

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two graphic novels my daughter and I have been enjoying – Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley and the Midwinter Witch by Molly Know Ostertag Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

12 Middle Grade Books for Fans of Role-Playing Games

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Katy K.

Every so often I come across books that feel like they would make a great start to a role-playing game. I love the collaborative story-telling they encourage. And while the fantasy dungeons of Dungeons & Dragons are where it started, any setting with an ensemble cast and the possibility for adventure will do. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

More Teen Love: Opposite of Always, Emergency Contact, and Frankly in Love

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Katy K.

I’m catching up on more heart-tugging teen romances that will still make you feel better about the world. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Teen Love: This is My Brain in Love, Secret of a Heart Note, and Don’t Date Rosa Santos

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three teen stories with romance at the center and satisfyingly sweet endings, though all of them have the good grace to be as much or more about our main character figuring out who she is and where she … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments