Tag Archives: contemporary fantasy

Magical Transportation: The Train of Lost Things and the Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are some more of my Cybils reading – two transportation-based fantasies (for a middle grade audience, of course.) The Train of Lost Things by Ammi-Joan Paquette. Philomel Books, 2018. Here’s a new book by the author of the Princess Juniper … Continue reading →

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Maggie & Abby’s Neverending Pillow Fort and the 11:11 Wish

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are two about adjusting to middle school and the friend shifting that happens. Maggie & Abby’s Neverending Pillow Fort by Will Taylor. HarperCollins, 2018. Introverted, imaginative Maggie, who is white, is a one-friend kind of girl.  She’s spent most … Continue reading →

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The Magicians of Caprona and The Seventh Wish

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are some short takes catching up on my reading during Cybils season. The Magicians of Caprona by Diana Wynne Jones. Greenwillow Books 2001, 1980. This is a relatively stand-alone volume in the Chrestomanci series, in which he appears (as … Continue reading →

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Hour of the Bees

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Katy K.

I’m celebrating Latin@ books this week, today with lyrical and leisurely middle grade fantasy Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar. Continue reading →

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Labyrinth Lost

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Katy K.

A Brooklyn teen must come to terms with her inherited bruja powers in this Cybils young adult speculative fiction finalist. Continue reading →

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Evil Wizard Smallbone

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Katy K.

Today, a review of a Cybils Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist. The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman. Candlewick, 2017. Nick Reynaud’s life has been harsh since his mother died, leaving him in the hands of his uncle and cousin Jerry, … Continue reading →

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Me and Marvin Gardens and Ninja Librarians: The Sword in the Stacks

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are two recent middle grade books that I was inspired to read by Kidlitcon, as both of these authors were there. Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King. Arthur A. Levine Books, January 31, 2017. I received this … Continue reading →

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3 Middle Grade Fantasies: the Left-Handed Fate, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, When the Sea Turned to Silver

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Katy K.

The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford. Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. Henry Holt, 2016. It’s a little hard for me to review this books in part because of how deeply I fell for it.  The year is 1812, and Lucy, the … Continue reading →

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The Rest of Us Just Live Here

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Katy K.

Recently, Maureen at By Singing Light had a post called Not the Chosen One.  This is one of the books she talked about, which I just happen to have finished recently. It’s also one I considered putting on my Top 10 … Continue reading →

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Twofer: I’m with Cupid and Shadows of Sherwood

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Katy K.

I’m with Cupid by Anna Staniszewski. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2015. Marcus and Lena are middle school-aged matchmaker and soul collector, with both the strengths and the weaknesses to fit these skills.  Lena likes life to be neatly organized, enjoys being able … Continue reading →

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