Category Archives: Realistic

Young Blerds: SLAY and My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two more books from my Cybils TBR Read Down pile.  As the partner of someone who was usually one of just a few people of color at the local sci-fi conventions, I was so happy to see two books for young nerds of color like his younger self! Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Challenges, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Kids on Bikes: Ghost Squad and Ways to Make Sunshine

Posted on April 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two books for the younger middle grade set that are just coming out in April of 2020, both featuring girls on bikes  These are both from my Cybils Awards ReadDown TBR pile. Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Sadiq series by Siman Nuurali for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Katy K.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Real-Life and Realistic Early Chapter Books

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Katy K.

Here are thoughts on some of the early chapter books I read this fall, any of which would make good gifts for the 7 to 9 year-olds on your holiday shopping list My Furry Foster Book 1: Truman the Dog … Continue reading →

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Finding the Best: the Good Luck Cat and Saturday

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Katy K.

Quick promotional announcement: registration for KidLitCon 2020 in Ann Arbor is now open!  And in case you missed the news, registration is free thanks to the generosity of the Ann Arbor District Library, so sign up today! Here are two picture … Continue reading →

Posted in books, picture books, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sweet YA: From Twinkle, with Love and The Last Beginning

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Katy K.

Here are short reviews of two sweet romance-focused teen books – one contemporary with an Indian-American heroine, and one futuristic time travel with a same-sex romance. From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon. Simon & Schuster, 2018. 978-1481495400 This companion … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Realistic, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Katy K.

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Candlewick, 2018. High school senior Lou Wolfe breaks up with her boyfriend Cam when he’s proven one time to often that he just won’t listen to what’s important to her, things like respecting her … Continue reading →

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

Secrets and Journeys: Four Graphic Novels for Kids

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Katy K.

Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen. Oni Press, 2019. 9781620105511. Willow’s tears turn into actual monsters, and she seems to want to cry all the time.  She tries to keep them bottled up, but that just leads to … Continue reading →

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

Early Chapter Book Trio: Juana & Lucas, Polly Diamond, Phoebe G. Green

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Katy K.

Here’s a trio of fun early chapter books!  Because Cybils nominations will be opening up October 1, I’ve added notes on which books would be eligible to be nominated.   Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas by Juana Medina. Candlewick, 2019. 978-1536201314 … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Blended by Sharon Draper

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Katy K.

Blended by Sharon Draper. Simon and Schuster Kids, 2018. 978-1442495005 11-year-old Isabella’s parents divorced when she was 6.  It’s always been hard, but since her dad moved back to Ohio and she’s splitting her time between two houses, it’s even … Continue reading →

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