Tag Archives: historical fiction

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

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Katy K.

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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Book Round-Up Adult: September-October 2025

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Katy K.

Brief thoughts on the books for adults I read in September and October, including books by Olivia Atwater, Sangu Mandanna, Sarah Beth Durst, Elodie Durand, Elisabeth Wheatley, Tavi Hawn, Mia P. Manansala, Lisa See, Stephanie Burgis, Naomi Novik, and Katherine Center. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Katy K.

This freshly imagined story of an immigrant girl, taking off from the author’s grandmother’s story, is filled with determination, hard-won joy, as well as hope and humor. Continue reading →

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2+2 Cybils Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are reviews of four more outstanding 2021 Cybils Graphic Novel finalists – Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby, The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor, Cheer Up!: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Fraiser, and Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smyth. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Remixed Classics: So Many Beginnings, Clash of Steel, and Travelers Along the Way

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Katy K.

These first three books from Feiwel & Friends’ Remixed Classics series take the classics, still in their original time periods, and retell them from the point of view of people of color.  The first three include retellings of Little Women, Treasure Island, and Robin Hood – all fabulous. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Katy K.

Moving, high-stakes middle grade historical fiction based on family history and set during Mexico’s civil war. Continue reading →

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In the Dakotas: Apple in the Middle and Prairie Lotus

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of girls growing up in the Dakotas – one modern and one in the past. Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley. NDSU, 2018. 9781946163073. Read from library copy. Dawn Quigley would have been one of … Continue reading →

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

Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens

Posted on December 6, 2019 by Katy K.

This year I finally read all the books in this series that are available in the U.S.  I may have read this one over the summer and saved the review until it was more seasonally appropriate… what could go better … Continue reading →

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2019 Newberys: Merci Suárez Changes Gears and The Night Diary

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Katy K.

Here are reviews of this year’s Newbery and Newbery honor books.  I had read just one of these when it first came out, The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.  And shout-out to my blogging friend Sondy at Sonderbooks, … Continue reading →

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All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinksy.

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Katy K.

Happy Hanukkah!  Here’s a quick break from my Cybils reviews for this beautiful new Hanukkah book. All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinksy. Schwartz & Wade Books/Penguin Random House, 2018. I remember finding and loving the All-of-a-Kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, picture books, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments