Tag Archives: youth science fiction

The Firefly Code

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Katy K.

It was a little jarring after two years on the Round One panel for the Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction to find that I had read only half of the finalists.  Here’s one that I had read, thanks to Brandy … Continue reading →

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Little Robot

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Katy K.

I finally made it to Ben Hatke’s last graphic novel – just in time for his next one, Mighty Jack, to come out on September 6. Little Robot by Ben Hatke. First Second, 2015 This nearly wordless graphic novel follows … Continue reading →

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Diversity on the Shelf- July Update

Posted on August 21, 2016 by Katy K.

My July reading included 5 mostly middle grade books by authors of color and three YA and adult books with main characters of color. Continue reading →

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Space Hostages by Sophia McDougall

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Katy K.

Hooray! The sequel to last year’s Cybils finalist Mars Evacuees.   Space Hostages by Sophia McDougall. Published in the U.K. by Egmont, 2015, in the U.S. by Harper, 2016. Following her return from Mars and the publication of her memoir … Continue reading →

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Secrets of the Dragon Tomb

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Katy K.

I’m sure I first heard about this book through Stephanie Burgis’s Livejournal page – and I’m glad I did, because steampunk on Mars is right up my alley.  This book made it to my Top 10 Middle Grade Fantasies That … 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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The Search for WondLa and A Hero for Wondla

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Katy K.

I had this series vaguely in the back of my mind from maybe hearing other bloggers mention it when I was hunting for a new series for my son and me to listen to. The Search for WondLa by Tony … Continue reading →

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11 Recent Sci-Fi Books for Grades 4 and 5

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Katy K.

Before I get back to business as usual, I’ll note that one of my favorite authors, Stephanie Burgis, is joining a whole bunch of other UK authors in holding auctions to raise money for Nepal.  There are signed books, chances … Continue reading →

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Smek for President

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Katy K.

It took my son and I about two months to read this book aloud together – very good value for our entertainment dollar, even if means we’re starting on Jinx’s Fire a little later than we’d hoped. I am still … Continue reading →

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Little Green Men at the Mercury Inn

Posted on March 7, 2015 by Katy K.

The Cybils panel was already feeling like distant and much-missed history when I read this nominated book. I read it anyway because a) it was nominated by Karen of Ms. Yingling Reads, whom I very much respect; b) there is … Continue reading →

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