Tag Archives: youth science fiction

Cybils 2024: 15 Middle Grade Spec Fic Books that Got Away

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are 15 books that didn’t quite make the cut for the 7 finalists chosen by the Cybils Round 1 panel that I still loved. They all have strong characters and range from classic fantasy to science fiction, time travel to cryptids. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Exploring Found Family in Middle Grade: The Flicker and Wishbone

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Katy K.

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon and Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans are both stories of kids trying to find their way through grim circumstances, learning about themselves and creating found families along the way. Continue reading →

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

Journeys with Introverted Kids: The First State of Being, Olivetti, and The Sky over Rebecca

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are three Cybils nominees all featuring beautiful stories of introverted kids who must reach out of themelves and their comfort zones to make things right for those around them. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Magical Schools: Wildseed Witch and Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

Posted on September 3, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are two exciting new magical school books, both with kids at all-Black schools, one drawing on Louisiana’s Black history and one set in a futuristic Nigeria. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Blog Tour! HOMEBOUND by John David Anderson

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Katy K.

If you love thrilling space adventures and galactic war combined with found and real family and reflections on the meaning of life, read on! Continue reading →

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BLOG TOUR: Drifters by Kevin Emerson

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a creepy, relevant contemporary science fiction book by the author of Last Day on Mars. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Dystopias: the Last Cuentista and the Monster Missions

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils nominees, very different stories of life after disaster on earth – one literary and set in space, one action-oriented, and set on an Earth entirely covered by oceans. Continue reading →

Posted in Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

3 Fantasies about Bullying: The Insiders, Friend Me, and the Nightmare Thief

Posted on November 21, 2021 by Katy K.

As an empathic adult who was bullied as a child, bullying is always very painful for me to read about. But it happens all too frequently, and it is dishonest for adults to deny kids the opportunity to read about … Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Blog Tour! STOWAWAY by John David Anderson with GIVEAWAY

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Katy K.

Join the blog tour for beloved author John David Anderson’s latest book, STOWAWAY, an exciting space adventure with a whole lot of heart. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

2020 Cybils Finalists and Ones that Got Away

Posted on January 6, 2021 by Katy K.

Here is the list of official Cybils finalists in my category, Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction – as well as a list of personal favorites that didn’t make it to this round. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments