Tag Archives: African-American

3 Cybils YA Speculative Fiction Finalists

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are reviews of three of the 2022 Cybils YA Spec Fic finalists – From Dust, a Flame by Rebecca Podos, See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon., and How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy. Continue reading →

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

Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things and Figure it Out, Henri Weldon

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Katy K.

Friends, usually I try to group books of similar themes for similar age groups in my reviews. But today, in the effort to get some reviews out where you can see them, I am just putting out a teen book … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

No True Villains: Children of the Quicksands and Eden’s Everdark

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two of the 2022 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalists, both with real problems but no real villains. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Enemy is Fear Part 2: Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann

Posted on December 3, 2022 by Katy K.

This one is for fans of superheroes and puzzle mysteries. Etta Invincibleby  Reese Eschmann. Illustrated by Gretel Lusky Aladdin, 2022 ISBN 9781534468375 Read from a library copy.  Chicago girl Etta lives with Quiet Days, where her ears are filled with … Continue reading →

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Magical Schools: Wildseed Witch and Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

Posted on September 3, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are two exciting new magical school books, both with kids at all-Black schools, one drawing on Louisiana’s Black history and one set in a futuristic Nigeria. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

A Taste of Magic by J. Elle

Posted on August 30, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a sparkling and delicious new story of a 12-year-old learning magic, baking and other secrets in her inner city neighborhood magic academy. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

#MGReadathon Finish Line

Posted on July 18, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s my wrap-up, with reviews of It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit and Valentina Salazar is NOT a Monster Hunter. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a fantastic new magical school story from best-selling author Dhonielle Clayton. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

5 Stories of Adventure & Change

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a mix of books from the past couple of years, all sharing an element of change and adventure. Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Middle Grade, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Remixed Classics: So Many Beginnings, Clash of Steel, and Travelers Along the Way

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Katy K.

These first three books from Feiwel & Friends’ Remixed Classics series take the classics, still in their original time periods, and retell them from the point of view of people of color.  The first three include retellings of Little Women, Treasure Island, and Robin Hood – all fabulous. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments