Tag Archives: Latino/a

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

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Katy K.

The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova is a sweet quest fantasy for middle grade readers. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Katy K.

Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of Esperanza Rising and Echo, returns with Mañanaland, a Cybils nominee that falls right on the border of realism and fantasy. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster.

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Katy K.

I promised more Latinx fantasy a few days ago – and here we are! Columbian-American debut author Alex Aster delivers a refreshingly new take on the epic fantasy quest, inspired by her abuela’s stories. Continue reading →

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

8 Spooky Middle Grade Books

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Katy K.

Just in case you or a kid in your life happen to be looking for something to read for Halloween, here are a few I’ve enjoyed! And let me know in the comments if you have anything you’d add to … Continue reading →

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

Magic, Friendship and Community: Muse Squad, Weird Little Robots, If We Were Giants

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Katy K.

Every September before Cybils nominations open, I look around for eligible books that I can read in the meantime.  Here are three that I enjoyed that were not nominated, though there are still a few days for their publishers or … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Adventures with Charlie Hernández

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are the first two books in a new contemporary mythology-based series perfect for Rick Riordan fans, the Charlie Hernandez series by Ryan Calejo. Continue reading →

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

Into the Tall, Tall Grass by Loriel Ryon

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Katy K.

Into the Tall, Tall Grass by Loriel Ryon. Margaret K. McElderry, 2020. ISBN 978-1534449671. Read from library copy.  Yolanda Rodríguez-O’Connell has a little too much on her plate and not enough support.  Her grandmother, Wela, has been asleep for weeks … Continue reading →

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

Teen Love: This is My Brain in Love, Secret of a Heart Note, and Don’t Date Rosa Santos

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three teen stories with romance at the center and satisfyingly sweet endings, though all of them have the good grace to be as much or more about our main character figuring out who she is and where she … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | 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 , , , , , , , | 3 Comments