Tag Archives: #OwnVoices

Planet Omar: Accidental Danger Magnet and Year of the Dog

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two funny and heartwarming books for the not-quite-middle-grade to middle grade set.  Accidental Danger Magnet by Zanib Mian is from my official #CybilsReadDown pile; The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin was purchased afterwards.   Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Early Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The Chaos Curse by Sayantani DasGupta.

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Katy K.

So far (as usual), I’m doing a better job of keeping up with reading than reviewing for my #CybilsReadDown challenge.  I have Charlotte of Charlotte’s Library to thank for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this again, though it came out … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Challenges, Fantasy, Format, Genre, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Young Blerds: SLAY and My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are two more books from my Cybils TBR Read Down pile.  As the partner of someone who was usually one of just a few people of color at the local sci-fi conventions, I was so happy to see two books for young nerds of color like his younger self! Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Challenges, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The True Queen by Zen Cho

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Katy K.

I mentioned this book in both of my last two posts, so I thought I should finally write a review of it.  I read it from the library as usual, and then asked for and got it for Christmas so … Continue reading →

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Real-Life and Realistic Early Chapter Books

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Katy K.

Here are thoughts on some of the early chapter books I read this fall, any of which would make good gifts for the 7 to 9 year-olds on your holiday shopping list My Furry Foster Book 1: Truman the Dog … Continue reading →

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Sweet YA: From Twinkle, with Love and The Last Beginning

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Katy K.

Here are short reviews of two sweet romance-focused teen books – one contemporary with an Indian-American heroine, and one futuristic time travel with a same-sex romance. From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon. Simon & Schuster, 2018. 978-1481495400 This companion … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Realistic, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Katy K.

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Candlewick, 2018. High school senior Lou Wolfe breaks up with her boyfriend Cam when he’s proven one time to often that he just won’t listen to what’s important to her, things like respecting her … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Print, Realistic, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Freedom Fire and Spark

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Katy K.

Today I’m featuring a couple of middle grade speculative fiction books that are eligible but not yet nominated for the Cybils – Dactyl Hill Squad 2 by Daniel José Older and Spark by Sarah Beth Durst. Both feature kids flying on the backs of fantastic beasts! Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei et al

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Katy K.

Star Trek actor turned activist George Takei shares the moving story of his life before his acting career in this graphic memoir.  It’s been getting a lot of deservedly good press, and I knew I had to read it. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Graphic Novel, nonfiction, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Blended by Sharon Draper

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Katy K.

Blended by Sharon Draper. Simon and Schuster Kids, 2018. 978-1442495005 11-year-old Isabella’s parents divorced when she was 6.  It’s always been hard, but since her dad moved back to Ohio and she’s splitting her time between two houses, it’s even … Continue reading →

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