Tag Archives: LGBTQ

3 More Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Finalists

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Katy K.

Onwards with my reading of this year’s Cybils middle grade fiction finalists with reviews of Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas, A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus and Linked by Gordon Korman! Continue reading →

Posted in books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | 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 →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Reviews, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

3 Fantasies about Bullying: The Insiders, Friend Me, and the Nightmare Thief

Posted on November 21, 2021 by Katy K.

As an empathic adult who was bullied as a child, bullying is always very painful for me to read about. But it happens all too frequently, and it is dishonest for adults to deny kids the opportunity to read about … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff

Posted on October 30, 2021 by Katy K.

Here’s a beautiful ghostly tale of self-discovery from this year’s Cybils reading. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Power of Kindness: Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls and Flight of the Puffin

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Katy K.

In both the fantasy Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera and the realistic story Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden, kindness is the secret power that wins the day. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Cattywampus and Cinders and Sparrows

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Katy K.

Every year I participate in the Cybils Awards, I read books more quickly than I can review them. Here are a couple of the books I’d wanted to share with you since the fall.  Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo. Scholastic, … Continue reading →

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

Complex & Compelling Teen Fantasy: Legendborn and Burn

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Katy K.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn and Burn by Patrick Ness are both finalists in the Teen Speculative Fiction category of the Cybils Awards with complex, multilayered, and very compelling narratives. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Top 13 Books I Missed Reviewing in the Past Year for Top 10 Tuesday

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Katy K.

Because I couldn’t pick just 10, here are the top 13 books I read over the past year and didn’t write full reviews of for Top Ten Tuesday. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print, Realistic, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Magical Black Girls: A Song Below Water and Snapdragon

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two tales of girls coming to terms with their own magic, A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow and Snapdragon by Kat Leyh. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

3 Tales of Kids Countering Prejudice with New Passions

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three stories of kids working against prejudice to find pride in who they are, as well as learning new skills along the way, with books by Nikki Grimes, Alyssa Zaczek, and Jewell Parker Rhodes. Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments