Tag Archives: Middle Grade

Guest Post: Isabelle Knight on “Why Middle Grade?”

Posted on March 8, 2026 by Katy K.

Author Isabelle Knight answers the question, “What is it about middle-grade books, like Greenglass House, Nevermoor, or Harry Potter, that I love so dearly?” Continue reading →

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Magic and Secrets: The Ink Witch, Farrah Noorzad and the Realm of Nightmares, and Scarlet Morning

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Katy K.

Here are three fantasy books where kids uncover secrets and find that solving their personal problems might just help the larger world as well. The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywell. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025. ISBN 978-0316585941. Read … Continue reading →

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Crossing Magical Borders: 3 Middle Grade Fantasies

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Katy K.

Three engaging children’s books, each featuring unique protagonists exploring magical worlds. “The Forgotten Summer of Seneca” centers on Rowan, who discovers a portal to a magical village. “Vanya and the Wild Hunt” follows a girl navigating her magical lineage. “Nox Winters and the Stygian Serpent” sees Nox confronting unresolved family ties in a fantasy realm. Continue reading →

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Exploring Grief and Growth in ‘The Trouble with Heroes’

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Katy K.

Here’s a moving story in verse that includes mountains, blisters, many varieties of chocolate-chip cookies, and finding the space for the main character to reevaluate and come to terms with his deceased first responder father as the pure hero that other people see him as and the more complicated person he was in real life. Continue reading →

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Guest Post: Author Nancy McCabe on the inspiration for her new MG book, Fires Burning Underground

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Katy K.

Join me for a guest post by Nancy McCabe on the inspirations for her new middle grade novel, Fires Burning Underground. Continue reading →

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Review of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Katy K.

Both timely and timeless, Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell is a book you definitely want to read. 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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BLOG TOUR! Keep It Like a Secret by John David Anderson

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Katy K.

“Keep It Like a Secret” by John David Anderson is a touching tale of sibling bonds tested by family turmoil. As Morgan tries to bring his family together, he joins his sister Claire on an unexpected adventure, revealing hidden secrets and strengthening their bond. This heartwarming story skillfully balances light-hearted moments with deeper emotional themes. Continue reading →

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A Game of Noctis by Deva Fagan

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Katy K.

I’d been taking an unplanned break from middle grade fantasy when Ms. Fagan emailed me to ask if I’d like to review her latest book.  As I really enjoyed some of her past books, including her 2021 superhero story Nightingale … Continue reading →

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My Top 12 Posts 3-1: LGBTQ+ MG Fantasy, Back to Magic School, and Winter Fantasy

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Katy K.

I’m finishing up my tour of my most popular blog posts of all time with numbers 3-1, all booklists that keep attracting readers. Continue reading →

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