Tag Archives: youth fiction

The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Katy K.

Here’s another author from my Kidlitcon panel, which I’m posting from the airport on my way to Providence! The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden. Sky Pony Press, 2018. Seventh grader Zoey mostly keeps her head down on … Continue reading →

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

So Done by Paula Chase.

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Katy K.

Kidlitcon is coming up!  I’ll be moderating a panel called “You Can’t Say That in Middle Grade!” with four wonderful authors who are willing to tackle issues that have in the past been reserved for teen audiences, if they’re discussed … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

The Penderwicks at Last

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Katy K.

Now is the time of year when I look at the seven pages of notes on books waiting to be reviewed, and think ahead to next week (*gulp*) when approximately 150 more will be added to my TBR.  How much … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged | 1 Comment

3 Great Middle Grade Realistic Picks

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Katy K.

If you’re looking for some contemporary realistic fiction, here are three solid titles for a range of tastes from full-on adventure to more introspective. To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson. Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2016. The officially-ended Greene Gang … Continue reading →

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The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Katy K.

Here’s book number three in my impromptu middle grade Latinix reading series, following Stella Martinez Has Something to Sayand A Dash of Trouble. The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya. Read by the Author. Listening Library, 2017. Arturo … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Middle Grade, Realistic | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Katy K.

Here’s a charming first novel from the illustrator of Mango, Abuela & Me. Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez. Roaring Brook Press, 2018. Stella is nervous about school now that her best friend, Jenny, is in another … Continue reading →

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

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse and #NotYourPrincess

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are two books celebrating the Native American/Aboriginal experience – one that finally made its way to the top of my reading list, and one new book that the teen librarian kindly purchased for me after I told her how … Continue reading →

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Two Family Adventures: The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher and the Lotterys Plus One

Posted on September 29, 2017 by Katy K.

Here are two stories of the classic family adventure type, but featuring same-sex parents. Both of them also have families formed by adoption, so adopted kids with many kinds of parents could see themselves reflected in these books. Misadventures of … Continue reading →

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Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever.

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Katy K.

Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird. Viking, 2017. It was the author list and associated cartoons on Betsy Bird’s blog, a Fuse #8 Production, that first drew me to this book (I can no longer find the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Three for Theater Kids

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Katy K.

I’m still trying to catch up on all the books I read for my presentation at the Allied Media Conference in June, so it’s time for shorter takes.  Here are three books perfect for the middle school theater fan. Better … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments