Tag Archives: LGBTQ

Exploring Found Family in Middle Grade: The Flicker and Wishbone

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Katy K.

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon and Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans are both stories of kids trying to find their way through grim circumstances, learning about themselves and creating found families along the way. Continue reading →

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Werewolves and Selkies: Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf and The Selkie’s Daughter

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two tales of fantastical creatures rarely covered in middle grade literature, one contemporary, one historical, both excellent. Continue reading →

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Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Katy K.

A sentient escape house tries to trap its guests in a blizzard, while the kids must keep the adults from making things worse, all complicated by a litter of adorably curious kittens. I have enjoyed many of Jenn Reese’s books, … Continue reading →

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No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Katy K.

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub Bloomsbury, 2024 ISBN 9781547609284 Review copy kindly sent by the publisher. 16-year-old Hazeem has spent this year following his father’s death wallowing in depression, getting out of bed to make sure his mom … Continue reading →

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Unconventional Epics: Abeni’s Song and Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m reading my Cybils nominations far faster than I’m able to blog them, but here are two recent reads that I really enjoyed, both classic epic fantasies with unconventional twists. Abeni’s Song by P. Djèlí Clark. Starscape, 2023. ISBN 978-1250825827. … Continue reading →

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For Real: Nikhil Out Loud, On Air with Zoe Washington, and The Many Masks of Andy Zhou

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are three realistic middle grade books I’ve enjoyed recently, from Maulik Pancholy, Janae Marks, and Jack Cheng Continue reading →

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3 2022 Cybils YA Graphic Novel Finalists: Messy Roots, Across a Field of Starlight, and Huda F Are You?

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Katy K.

I’m back with short takes on 3 2022 Cybils graphic novel finalists you won’t want to miss! Continue reading →

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Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Katy K.

Hadeer Elsbai’s debut book, Daughters of Izdihar is an exciting tale of magic and the struggle for women’s rights inspired by Egyptian women’s quest for the vote. Continue reading →

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Two by Elisa A. Bonnin: Dauntless and Stolen City

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Katy K.

Here are two exciting (but different) books by 2022 debut author Elisa A. Bonnin, Dauntless and Stolen City. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Katy K.

When this book showed up on the hold shelf, as so often happens for me, I had forgotten how I heard about it and why I’d put it on hold. Once I started reading, though, I was very grateful to … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments