Tag Archives: books

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 →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

8 Ghost Books to Haunt Your Reading List in 2024

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Katy K.

Middle Grade ghost books that came out within the past years, ranging from funny to terrifying, heart-warming to adventurous. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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 →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Top Book Picks for Cybils 2024 MG Spec Fic Nominations

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Katy K.

Cybils nomination period is almost over! Here for your consideration are 12 deserving titles that haven’t yet been nominated. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

2023 Cybils Young Adult Speculative Fiction Finalists

Posted on June 30, 2024 by Katy K.

I always like to see what my counterparts on the Cybils young adult speculative fiction panel have chosen as finalists! I started listening to these first thing in January, and only realized when I went to start writing reviews that … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Interview with Illustrator Bea Jackson: Creating Joyful Art for SUMMER IS HERE

Posted on June 22, 2024 by Katy K.

Read on for an interview with Bea Jackson, the illustrator of the gorgeous new book SUMMER IS HERE by Renée Watson (of Piecing Me Together and Ways to Make Sunshine), as well as the best-selling PARKER LOOKS UP! As you all … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, picture books, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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 →

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