Tag Archives: youth fantasy

A Pocket Full of Murder

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Katy K.

A Pocket Full of Murder by R.J. Anderson. Simon and Schuster, 2015. Isaveth is trying her hand at baking spells from her mother’s old recipe. If she gets them right, they’ll be better quality than the factory-made spells, and she … Continue reading →

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Moon Rising, Valiant, and The Toymaker’s Apprentice

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Katy K.

There are only a few more weeks until the Cybils winners will be announced!  I’ve been reading finalists in other categories trying to prepare, and I’ll try to get reviews of those up soon.  In the meantime, here are more … Continue reading →

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The Forgotten Sisters and Nomad

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Katy K.

I always have the best of intentions about reviewing all my Cybils books as I read them – but I’m still behind.  Here are a couple more middle grade fantasy books from my December reading, both sequels in beloved series. … Continue reading →

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Ones that got away: 10 favorite 2015 MG Spec Fic books

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Katy K.

Cybils judges are allowed to put a maximum of seven books on the shortlist (otherwise it isn’t a short, manageable list.) Here’s what the middle grade speculative fiction committee picked this year: Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes Castle Hangnail by Ursula … Continue reading →

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Twofer: I’m with Cupid and Shadows of Sherwood

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Katy K.

I’m with Cupid by Anna Staniszewski. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2015. Marcus and Lena are middle school-aged matchmaker and soul collector, with both the strengths and the weaknesses to fit these skills.  Lena likes life to be neatly organized, enjoys being able … Continue reading →

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The Second Guard

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Katy K.

The Second Guard by J.D. Vaughn. Disney Hyperion, 2015. The Second Guard is an epic fantasy with two cool and unique features: the kingdom of Tequende, where it’s set, is something like a South American kingdom, still under indigenous rule … Continue reading →

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Mark of the Thief

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Katy K.

Like everyone else I know who read The False Prince (it won the Cybils Award for Middle Grade Speculative Fiction award in 2012), I loved it, so of course I had to read Jennifer Nielsen’s new book.  Bonus points for … Continue reading →

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The Hero and the Crown

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Katy K.

Thoughts on my third time reading this book aloud. The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley. Greenwillow Books, 1985. Aeryn is the sol, or princess, but not heir to the throne because her mother was a foreigner distrusted by … Continue reading →

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Princess Juniper of the Hourglass

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Katy K.

Sometimes you just want an old-fashioned story of a princess making it out of a tough situation by the strength of her wits and the loyalty of her friends. Princess Juniper of the Hourglass by Ammi-Joan Paquette. Philomel, 2015. 13-year-old … Continue reading →

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Grounded

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Katy K.

Grounded by Megan Morrison. Scholastic, 2015. Rapunzel has grown up in a tower filled with everything she could ever want – beautiful dresses, a harp, books filled with stories about her and her beloved Witch.  All the stories warn of … Continue reading →

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