Today’s review comes from Junior/Senior High Non-Fiction Round 1 panelist Heidi, who blogs at GeoLibrarian. She reviewed Senior High finalist Dreamland (Amazon, IndieBound), writing: Dreamland does what all good narrative nonfiction does. It pulls the reader in, making them want to know more. I found the book compelling and powerful, as well as informative. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: Kiss No. 8
Today’s review of Young Adult Graphic Novel Kiss No. 8 (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from Graphic Novel chair Mel Schuit, who usually blogs at Let’s Talk About Picture Books. For this review, however, Mel guest hosted The Children’s Book Podcast, talking with the authors Colleen AF Venable and Ellen T. Crenshaw. About the book, Colleen said: I realized there were big …
REVIEW: A Stone Sat Still
Today’s review of Fiction Picture Book finalist A Stone Sat Still (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one panelist Maria, who blogs at Maria Marshall: Making Nature Fun. She wrote: Each time I read it, I find a new treasure in the illustrations and text. I truly hope this book finds a home in every classroom and library. Read the rest …
REVIEW: Cog
Today’s review of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist Cog (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from Round 1 panelist Debbie who blogs at The Book Search. She wrote: This is a WONDERFUL story about free choice, loyalty, creative problem solving, and compassion as well as some of the consequences and ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: Free Lunch
Today’s finalist is Free Lunch (Amazon, IndieBound), which is a finalist in Middle Grade Non-Fiction. Round one panelist Carrie, who blogs at Other Women’s Stories, reviewed it. She wrote: The book is heartrending, and yet, you get the feeling that young Rex is going to make it to a better way of living. Check out the full review here.
REVIEW: Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
We’re highlighting finalists this month, and we’re going to start with Early Chapter Book finalist Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure (Amazon, IndieBound). Round one panelists Kelley, who blogs at KidlitUnderground, wrote this: It’s hard to pull off a children’s book where none of the characters appear to be… you know, actual children, but author/illustrator Alex T. Smith nails it …
2019 Finalists: Graphic Novels
Elementary/Middle Grade Graphic Novels Crush (Berrybrook Middle School) (Amazon, IndieBound) by Svetlana Chmakova Yen Press Nominated by: Wendy What is it like to have a crush for the first time? Crush explores exactly that emotion – following big, baseball playing Jorge, a quiet but courageous character who stands up to bullies and helps others when needed. Although part of a …
2019 Finalists: Young Adult Fiction
Don’t Date Rosa Santos (Amazon, IndieBound) by Nina Moreno Disney-Hyperion Nominated by: boricuareads Three generations of Santos women come together in this light-hearted but meaningful novel about culture, family, grief, love, and finding out who you truly are. Rosa and her abuela are esteemed members of their small coastal Florida town where a curse has kept Rosa from finding love, …
2019 Finalists: Easy Readers and Early Chapter Books
Easy Readers Fox & Chick: The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories (Early Chapter for Kids, Books about Friendship, Preschool Picture Books) (Amazon, IndieBound) by Sergio Ruzzier Chronicle Books Nominated by: Josh Funk This second book in the Fox & Chick series is written for preschool and up. Kids and adults will laugh and enjoy the book’s comic-book-type format and …
The 2019 Cybils Finalists!
It’s January 1st, our favorite day of the year: The day in which all round one panelists breathe a huge sigh of relief (and we express our heartfelt thanks!), and which everyone (from the authors and illustrators to the fans to the round two judges) eagerly watches to see what’s made the cut. First off — because we know you’re …