Tag Archives: Middle Grade

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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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 →

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BLOG TOUR – Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Katy K.

Dear readers, I am so excited to once again be part of the blog tour for Anne Ursu’s latest book! This is one braids together a realistic middle school story with one of unease and slowly developing horror.  ABOUT THE BOOK … Continue reading →

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2023 Cybils Finalists and Ones that Got Away

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Katy K.

Here is my mostly-annual post about the seven fantastic books my fellow Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Cybils panelists and I chose, narrowing down from nearly 100 nominees. As always, while I truly love the books we chose, and I do see … Continue reading →

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