Category Archives: Realistic

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

Posted on April 14, 2019 by Katy K.

This was on my want-to-read list from the time it first came out, but it was Maureen at By Singing Light posting about it that finally pushed me into actually reading it. Pride by Ibi Zoboi. Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Where the Heart Is and Still a Work in Progress by Jo Knowles

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Katy K.

Kidlitcon happened!  Providence was beautiful!  I plan to pull together my notes from that soon, but for now, a couple of books by the wonderful Jo Knowles, who was on my panel called “You Can’t Say That in Middle Grade”, … Continue reading →

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

The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Katy K.

Here’s another author from my Kidlitcon panel, which I’m posting from the airport on my way to Providence! The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden. Sky Pony Press, 2018. Seventh grader Zoey mostly keeps her head down on … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged | 3 Comments

So Done by Paula Chase.

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Katy K.

Kidlitcon is coming up!  I’ll be moderating a panel called “You Can’t Say That in Middle Grade!” with four wonderful authors who are willing to tackle issues that have in the past been reserved for teen audiences, if they’re discussed … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on February 15, 2019 by Katy K.

The Cybils Award winners were announced yesterday!  So many good books – some I’ve read already and some to add to the TBR!  I’m so happy that Nevermoor: the Trials of Morrigan Crow won in my Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction … Continue reading →

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

The Penderwicks at Last

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Katy K.

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 →

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

3 Great Graphic Novels for Kids

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Katy K.

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 , , , | 8 Comments

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Katy K.

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 →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Katy K.

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 →

Posted in books, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

3 Great Middle Grade Realistic Picks

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Katy K.

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 →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments