Tag Archives: disabilities

2 2022 Cybils MG Fic Finalists: Air and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are my takes on two of the latest Cybils Middle Grade Fiction finalists – Air by Monica Roe and Jennifer Chan is Not Alone by Tae Keller. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bears! Water Bears and The Girl Who Speaks Bear

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two more Cybils nominees, both involving bears. Water Bears, with a Latinx author and main character, continues with the Latinx theme of the past week, while The Girl who Speaks Bear takes us to fantasy Russia. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary book with a hint of possible magic, or full-on folk tale-inspired historical fantasy, there’s a book here for you. Continue reading →

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

Seventh Grade Switch: The First Rule of Punk and Roll with It

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of two seventh-grade kids finding their way in new schools. The First Rule of Punk is a Pura Belpré honor book, and Roll with It is a 2019 Cybils finalist.   The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Magisterium 4 and 5: the Silver Mask and the Golden Tower

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Katy K.

It’s the finale to a series that my son and I have been following since it started in 2014 with The Iron Trial. Reader be warned – spoilers are unavoidable. The Silver Mask. Magisterium Book 4 by Holly Black and … Continue reading →

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

Bad Luck Kids: Trials of Morrigan Crow and Book of Boy

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of children in very different worlds, but both considered to be bad luck. The first was all over the blogs I read in the middle of Cybils season last year.  It’s just as delightful a few … Continue reading →

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

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Katy K.

Last time, I reviewed this year’s Schneider Family Teen award winner, You’re Welcome, Universe.  Here’s the middle grade winner. Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green. Pajama Press, 2017 Macy is in sixth grade and struggling.  She’s horrified … Continue reading →

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You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Katy K.

Once again, a book winning an award – in this case the Schneider Family Award – pushed me from meaning to read it someday to actually doing so. You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner. Random House Teens, 2017. Julia believes … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Felix Yz

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Katy K.

Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker. Viking, 2017. Thirteen-year-old Felix was just a toddler sitting on his scientist father’s lap when an experiment exploded.  His father died, while Felix’s consciousness was fused with that of an alien, whom they call Zyx.  … Continue reading →

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Gemina

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Katy K.

Not only did I enjoy Illuminae myself, but it accomplished a near miracle, which is getting my son who will normally read only graphic novels and audiobooks for pleasure to read it to himself.  All 599 pages.  I might have … Continue reading →

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The War That Saved My Life

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Katy K.

Review of Newbery and Odyssey award-winning children’s audiobook The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Continue reading →

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