Tag Archives: youth fantasy

The Counterclockwise Heart

Here’s a story of adventure, secrets, and betrayal, with delightful gear-punky twists. The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey Algonquin, 2022 ISBN 978-1616205065 Read from a library copy. At the edge of Kingdom of Rheinvelt sits the tiny town of Somber … Continue reading

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Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza

Here’s a scary-cozy middle grade based on Mexican legend – one of the books I was sad not to make it to the Cybils finalists. Continue reading

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2022 Cybils Finalists and Ones that Got Away

Here is the finalist list that my fellow panelists and I put together – plus another 10 titles I loved that didn’t make it. Continue reading

Posted in Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , | 10 Comments

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

Who’s up for some dark yet cozy magical baking plus murder? Continue reading

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Reviews, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

The Enemy is Fear Part 2: Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann

This one is for fans of superheroes and puzzle mysteries. Etta Invincibleby  Reese Eschmann. Illustrated by Gretel Lusky Aladdin, 2022 ISBN 9781534468375 Read from a library copy.  Chicago girl Etta lives with Quiet Days, where her ears are filled with … Continue reading

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The Enemy is Fear: the Clackity by Lora Senf

The Clackity by Lora Senf is a delightfully creepy book to please fans of both contemporary and classic fantasy horror. Continue reading

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The Cover was Blue: Goblin Market, Bookshop of Dust and Dreams, and Water, Water

Here are three very different Cybils-nominated books, all with blue overs. Continue reading

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The Button Box by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-William

For the younger middle grade set comes this exciting time travel adventure set in early medieval Morocco. Continue reading

Posted in Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi is a fun twist on the classic magic school story, perfect for fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Continue reading

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Freddie vs. the Family Curse by Tracy Badua

Freddie vs. the Family Curse by Tracy Badua is a great book for fans of over-the-top humor, with a healthy dose of personal growth and Filipino-American culture. Continue reading

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments