Over the last five months we posted review exerpts for more than 450 books nominated or submitted for the 2023 CYBILS Awards. All told, we shared reviews from our judges for more than one-third of the books considered for our 2023 awards. Not an all-time high, but pretty durned good. Look for more #CYBILS2023 titles in future booklists. In the …
Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 Early Chapter Book Finalists
Here we are, friends! It seems only appropriate that Early Chapter Books be the “final chapter” in our posts sharing judges reviews of 2023 CYBILS Awards finalists and winners. There are a few familiar series and new faces, too. These stories also welcome young readers into stories that may be comfortable and fun, and others that will expose them to …
Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 EMG Graphic Novel Finalists
Just so you know, we stopped counting the “readers will relate to” references in the reviews at around 15 … and they kept going. Seriously, though, is there anything better than a book where a reader can see themselves and grow with a bookish alter ego? Diverse casts, family, friendship, adventure, gaming, and nonfiction. Angst and courage, fears and acceptance. …
Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 Board Book Finalists
Colorful Bright Interactive Cute Destined to be a favorite … everything you want in a board book, yes? There’s no shortage of animals, learning, or engaging questions for young readers, either. Whether you have a toddler scurrying onto your lap for storytime or you want the perfect gift for a baby shower or toddler birthday, you won’t go wrong with …
Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 Finalists Poetry Collections
Roses are red. Violets are blue. If you don’t like college basketball. This list is for you. Happy #PoetryFriday to you. For some of us, basketball is a kind of poetry in motion. For others, well, it just isn’t. Thankfully, this roundup of poetry books can help. Moving, funny, imaginative, jarring … all found in the pages of these poetry …
Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 Middle Grade Fiction Finalists
It’s Middle-Grade Monday, y’all! 2023 WINNER Simon Sort of Says Bow, Erin Disney Hyperion–Rick Riordan presents Nominated by: Susan (Bloggin’ ’bout Books) Sondy @ Sonderbooks – [This has] got so many wonderful ingredients: Quirky characters who seem more realistic because of those quirks, a new kid in school at a very distinctive place, loving parents but kid-centric adventures, a main …
Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 YA Speculative Fiction FInalists
What “binds” all of these books together? Besides being for young adults? and speculative fiction? with amazing cover art? Well, we could tell you, but you are such a savvy, discerning reader, we know you’ll find the answer. This much we’ll share: the word “original” was used by multiple judges across multiple books; and two titles made a fantasy lover out of …
#CYBILS2023 Book Review: YA Fiction Finalists
ICYMI – This year’s slate of Young Adult Fiction finalists includes two debut authors. In fact, the award-winning book is the debut novel of Jas Hammonds. The stories are contemporary, compelling, heart-tugging, and heart-wrenching. Things you’d expect in coming-of-age stories. There’s drama, intense storytelling, mystery, family, and … well, let’s turn it over to our judges to tell you more. …
#CYBILS2023 Book Reviews: Fiction Picture Book Finalists
What are you doing this Monday morning? Us? Oh, we’re “March-ing Fourth” with reviews for the 2023 CYBILS Awards finalists and winner in the Fiction Picture Book Category. From “lovely,” “beautiful,” and “powerful” to “funny,” “hilarious,” and “extra outlandish,” our judges not only share their thoughts, but give you some inside scoop on what their kiddos thought, too! Go on …
Book Reviews: #CYBILS2023 EMG Speculative Fiction Finalists
A quick recap for those who are just now discovering our review series … excerpts of judges reviews. Their own opinions (not their panels). Did not necessarily judge this category. 2023 WINNER The Grace of Wild Things Heather Fawcett Balzer + Bray Nominated by: marsenault13 Deb @ The Book Search – This one’s a charmer. The whole story is just …