Category Archives: Realistic

One Last Shot by John David Anderson Blog Tour

Today I’m honored to be part of the blog tour for John David Anderson’s latest book, ONE LAST SHOT.  Scroll all the way to the bottom for a giveaway of a signed hardcover copy and the other stops on the tour! … Continue reading

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Operatic and Diana: Princess of the Amazons

Two graphic novels for kids – Operatic by Kyo Maclear and Byron Eggenschwiler and Diana: Princess of the Amazons by Shannon and Dean Hale and Victoria Ying. Continue reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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