Tag Archives: Latinx

Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Finalists

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Katy K.

I have slowly been working my way through the Cybils finalists by category (my favorite categories, besides the one where I’m a panelist.) I’ve finally finished the middle grade fiction finalists, and am including my brief thoughts here. The Cybils … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Lists, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo for MCBD 2024

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Katy K.

It’s time to celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day again! I’m reviewing this book here – be sure to head over to the website for lots of book giveaways, hundreds of reviews, and for information about the online party.  Cruzita and the … Continue reading →

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

3 Magical Journeys: The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams, The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto, and Hamra and the Jungle of Memories

Posted on June 17, 2023 by Katy K.

There are magical journeys galore in these new middle grade fantasies, including along the historical Silk Road, a possibly haunted present-day ranch, and the Indonesian jungle during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continue reading →

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

3 2022 Cybils MG Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are three original and compelling middle grade graphic novels from the 2022 Cybils finalist list. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honor Books: Yonder by Ali Standish and Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Katy K.

Yonder by Ali Standish and Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango are two beautiful, reflective books that both won honors this year. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Katy K.

Here’s a scary-cozy middle grade based on Mexican legend – one of the books I was sad not to make it to the Cybils finalists. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , | 2 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 →

Posted in Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

#MGReadathon Finish Line

Posted on July 18, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s my wrap-up, with reviews of It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit and Valentina Salazar is NOT a Monster Hunter. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Witchlings by Claribel Ortega

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Katy K.

Claribel Ortega’s newest middle grade fantasy, Witchlings, is an appealing mix of friendship, danger, and magic set in a contemporary fantasy world filled with whimsical details. Continue reading →

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

Generational Trauma and Healing: Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa and A Comb of Wishes

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are two new middle grade fantasies that look at generational trauma through a fantasy lens, while being entertaining stories in their own right.  Continue reading →

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