Writer J.L. Bell is a true fan of fantasy, and not just L. Frank Baum. Though he’s the editor of Oziana, creative magazine of the International Wizard of Oz Club, he’s also an Assistant Regional Advisor in the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators–and he’s a blogger to boot, taking part in this year’s judging panel for Graphic Novels. …
Congratulations Mindy!
The Cybils team would like to congratulate panelist Mindy, who blogs at Propernoun.net, on the birth of her new daughter. We’re all so happy for you, Mindy! Mindy has been a tireless member of the middle grade/young adult nonfiction nominating committee this year, and is already back on board with discussions. We are very fortunate to have her as part …
REVIEW: We Are One by Larry Dane Brimner
At Farm School, Becky writes about "family, books, food, classical home education, books, journeys, music, books, thoughts, movies, and books." She shares details of her family’s life on a farm in Canada, and her experiences in reading with and homeschooling her three elementary school-age children. Becky also writes well-researched posts about topics like adding poetry to your life, the importance …
Two short list dates for the price of one
Our panelists have gotten to know the UPS and post office delivery folks pretty well by now; those boxes keep arriving packed with nominated books. Unfortunately, Santa’s got a lock on those same services this time of year, and anything stamped “Media Mail” is shunted to the back of the sled. We find ourselves in a dilemma: either we’re going …
REVIEW: Penguin by Polly Dunbar
Cheryl Rainfield, a member of the Fiction Picture Book nominating panel, is always looking for the good in children’s books. Cheryl keeps two sets of booklists on her site–one devoted to picture books and the other to Young Adult books–and one book blog. She’s a reviewing machine! Recently she considered Cybils-nominated picture book Penguin, by Polly Dunbar, and here’s her …
REVIEW: Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L. LaFevers
Traci, who blogs at Fields of Gold, is one of the youngest bloggers working for the Cybils. At just fifteen years old, Traci likes acting, singing, dancing, and reading. Good thing she likes to read. She’s serving on the nominating panel for one of our biggest categories–Fantasy/Science Fiction. Recently Traci read Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, by R.L. LaFevers, …
Fantasy and Science Fiction Announcement
The books nominated in the fantasy and science fiction category cover a wide range, from early chapter books all the way up to sophisticated young adult novels. Although the nominating committee is doing its best to judge each book on its own merits, in reality it’s difficult to compare books where simplicity is an art and a goal against those …
REVIEW: Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
K.T. Horning is a librarian and a children’s & young adult literature specialist. She blogs about LGBTQ books for kids and teens at Worth the Trip. She publishes detailed, thoughtful book reviews, and maintains links to external resources of particular interest to her target audience. K.T. is a member of the middle grade and young adult non-fiction nominating committe. In …
REVIEW: When Gorilla Goes Walking by Nikki Grimes
Cloudscome blogs over at A Wrung Sponge and is a poetry fanatic. A librarian and a regular Poetry Friday contributor, Cloudscome is also a dab hand at the haiku. Luckily for the Cybils, Cloudscome is serving as a judge on the Poetry Committee this year. Today, she shares her review of the 2007 Cybils nominated title, When Gorilla Goes Walking, …
Our authors love us!
As our reading period kicks into high gear, we’re excited for our authors (and don’t forget illustrators). They’re returning the love in the best way possible, by blogging about us and spreading the word. Karma Wilson loves us twice as much–for both her nominated picture books. Lisa Yee gives us a shout out. Eric Luper says we’re starting to "make …