Tag Archives: Latinx

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

4 Cybils YA Spec Fic Finalists

Posted on March 25, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are my takes on four of the seven 2021 Cybils YA speculative fiction finalists, including high fantasy, magical realism, and twisty science fiction. Continue reading →

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Four 2021 Cybils Middle Grade Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are short reviews of four of the seven finalists in the elementary/middle grade graphic novel category of the 2021 Cybils Awards, including Borders, Chunky, Jukebox, and Salt Magic. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Dystopias: the Last Cuentista and the Monster Missions

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils nominees, very different stories of life after disaster on earth – one literary and set in space, one action-oriented, and set on an Earth entirely covered by oceans. Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments