Tag Archives: youth fiction

The Power of Kindness: Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls and Flight of the Puffin

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Katy K.

In both the fantasy Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera and the realistic story Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden, kindness is the secret power that wins the day. Continue reading →

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Life Between Cultures: Red, White and Whole and Amina’s Song

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Katy K.

ere are two moving stories from Rajani LaRocca and Hena Khan, both authors I’ve enjoyed in the past, telling stories of middle school life for first-generation Americans, and which hit the spot for me so perfectly it was really hard to put them down. Continue reading →

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Strange Birds: a Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers

Posted on June 26, 2021 by Katy K.

Strange Birds: a Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez. is a Scout-flavored book of friendship during a Florida summer for young activists. Continue reading →

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Food, Friendship, and Immigration – Measuring Up and A Place at the Table

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are two and a half reviews of books for middle grade readers that combine cooking (or eating together) with making friends and the immigrant experience. What could be yummier? Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu. Harper Alley, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The House That Wasn’t There BLOG TOUR

Posted on April 10, 2021 by Katy K.

Please join me on the blog tour for the brand-new book the House That Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold, a tale of hidden magic and growing friendships. Continue reading →

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Book Club Picks for 4/5s on Hoopla

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Katy K.

Here’s a small selection of books available on Hoopla that I think fourth and fifth graders would enjoy reading and discussing. Continue reading →

Posted in Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Katy K.

Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of Esperanza Rising and Echo, returns with Mañanaland, a Cybils nominee that falls right on the border of realism and fantasy. Continue reading →

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Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Katy K.

A silent movie action star finds adventure crossing over into her real life in Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Historical, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Top 13 Books I Missed Reviewing in the Past Year for Top 10 Tuesday

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Katy K.

Because I couldn’t pick just 10, here are the top 13 books I read over the past year and didn’t write full reviews of for Top Ten Tuesday. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print, Realistic, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

3 Tales of Kids Countering Prejudice with New Passions

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Katy K.

Here are three stories of kids working against prejudice to find pride in who they are, as well as learning new skills along the way, with books by Nikki Grimes, Alyssa Zaczek, and Jewell Parker Rhodes. Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments