Tag Archives: fiction

Post-Human Futures and Alternate Pasts: Death of the Author and The Relentless Moon

Today I bring you two books of different times – one with a story of a post-human future, one of an alternate past. Both have exciting and thought-provoking stories that deal with what it is to be human as well … Continue reading

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Magical Academia: The Incandescent and To Ride A Rising Storm

Here are two books for adult fans of magical schools. The Incadescent takes us to a modern yet historical British boarding school that teaches magic as well as mundane subjects, told from the point of view of the Director of … Continue reading

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Moving Verse Novels for Young Readers: A Sea of Lemon Trees and Octopus Moon

I picked both of these books up because of the awards – honors for both the Newbery and the Pura Belpre awards for A Sea of Lemon Trees and a Schneider Family Award for representation of disability for Octopus Moon. … Continue reading

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Enchanting Fantasy Romance: Enchanting the Fae Queen, The Keeper of Magical Things, and Cinder House

Three books about finding love and hope in the midst of troubled times. Continue reading

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Teen Romance and Adventure: Until the Clock Strikes Midnight and Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow and Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar by Anahita Karthik are two heartfelt stories of teens falling in love – one magical, one contemporary – that both have bi heroines searching for their place in the world with some fun and adventures along the way. Continue reading

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Buzzworthy Historical Books for Young Readers: Red River Rose, Where Only Storms Grow, and The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Here are three recent and much-talked about middle grade historical fiction titles. Red River Rose is just coming out this month (March 2026) and has gotten multiple starred reviews. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli won a Newbery … Continue reading

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Magic and Secrets: The Ink Witch, Farrah Noorzad and the Realm of Nightmares, and Scarlet Morning

Here are three fantasy books where kids uncover secrets and find that solving their personal problems might just help the larger world as well. The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywell. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025. ISBN 978-0316585941. Read … Continue reading

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Crossing Magical Borders: 3 Middle Grade Fantasies

Three engaging children’s books, each featuring unique protagonists exploring magical worlds. “The Forgotten Summer of Seneca” centers on Rowan, who discovers a portal to a magical village. “Vanya and the Wild Hunt” follows a girl navigating her magical lineage. “Nox Winters and the Stygian Serpent” sees Nox confronting unresolved family ties in a fantasy realm. Continue reading

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2025 in Review – My Favorite Books

Here’s my annual look back at the books I rated 9 – the ones I’d be mostly likely to go back to in the future – and the 15(!) I reread. Continue reading

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Monthly Reading Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: December 2025

Share some cozy winter reads with me in my December round-up, featuring books from picture book through adult on themes as varied as ADHD, Indigenous culture, and cozy fantasy and sci-fi. With books by Jashar Awan, Penn and Kim Holderness, Dawn Quigley, Kim Normanton, Angeline Boulley, Lewis Hancox, Trung Le Nguyen, Mary Robinette Kowal, M. Stevenson, Charlotte E. English, Leslye Penelope, Lynn Strong., Malka Older, George Takei, and more. Continue reading

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