Tag Archives: book-review

Farrah Noorzad and Amir: Journeys with Jinn for Kids

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils-nominated books with rich worldbuilding, fast action, and thought-provoking themes: Farrah Noorazad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur, and Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan. Continue reading →

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Exploring Found Family in Middle Grade: The Flicker and Wishbone

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Katy K.

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon and Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans are both stories of kids trying to find their way through grim circumstances, learning about themselves and creating found families along the way. Continue reading →

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Summer Camp Scares: It Came from the Trees and The Last Rhee Witch

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Katy K.

These two excellently terrifying Cybils-nominated books for middle grade readers set duriing summer camping trips. Continue reading →

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Review of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Katy K.

Both timely and timeless, Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell is a book you definitely want to read. Continue reading →

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Journeys with Introverted Kids: The First State of Being, Olivetti, and The Sky over Rebecca

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are three Cybils nominees all featuring beautiful stories of introverted kids who must reach out of themelves and their comfort zones to make things right for those around them. Continue reading →

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Gaslamp Fantasies: A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience and Tea and Sympathetic Magic

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Katy K.

Short reviews of two deliciously bite-sized romantic gaslamp fantasy novellas, one by personal favorite Stephanie Burgis and one by new-to-me author Tansy Raynor Roberts. Continue reading →

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Werewolves and Selkies: Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf and The Selkie’s Daughter

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two tales of fantastical creatures rarely covered in middle grade literature, one contemporary, one historical, both excellent. Continue reading →

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A Game of Noctis by Deva Fagan

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Katy K.

I’d been taking an unplanned break from middle grade fantasy when Ms. Fagan emailed me to ask if I’d like to review her latest book.  As I really enjoyed some of her past books, including her 2021 superhero story Nightingale … Continue reading →

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Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Finalists

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Katy K.

I have slowly been working my way through the Cybils finalists by category (my favorite categories, besides the one where I’m a panelist.) I’ve finally finished the middle grade fiction finalists, and am including my brief thoughts here. The Cybils … Continue reading →

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

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Katy K.

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub Bloomsbury, 2024 ISBN 9781547609284 Review copy kindly sent by the publisher. 16-year-old Hazeem has spent this year following his father’s death wallowing in depression, getting out of bed to make sure his mom … Continue reading →

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