Category Archives: Realistic

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 →

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Food, Friendship, and Immigration – Measuring Up and A Place at the Table

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are two and a half reviews of books for middle grade readers that combine cooking (or eating together) with making friends and the immigrant experience. What could be yummier? Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu. Harper Alley, … Continue reading →

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Interwoven Stories: The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book and Ancestor Approved

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are two collections of interwoven stories – one historical fantasy, one contemporary and mostly realistic – that both delighted me. Continue reading →

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The House That Wasn’t There BLOG TOUR

Posted on April 10, 2021 by Katy K.

Please join me on the blog tour for the brand-new book the House That Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold, a tale of hidden magic and growing friendships. Continue reading →

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Four Favorite Graphic Novels: Twins, Class Act, Go with the Flow, and Katie the Catsitter

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are four of the graphic novels my daughter has been reading and rereading lately. Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 , , , , , , | 18 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 , , , , , , , | 2 Comments