Welcome to our first review of 2021! Happy New Year! Today’s blogger review looks at Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist Rival Magic by Deva Fagan: This is a fine example of the sort of middle grade fantasy that one reads in just about a single-sitting, with interesting, likeable main characters, lots of delightfully magical twists and turns, and twists in …
REVIEW: Cinderella Is Dead
Today’s featured blog review looks at Young Adult Speculative Fiction nominee Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron: Forget everything you think you know about Cinderella and prepare to learn the truth. Cinderella is Dead takes place generations after Cinderella’s “happily ever after” with Prince Charming. Now the monarchy rules the kingdom based on their approved version of the Cinderella story. …
REVIEW: Prairie Lotus
Our featured blogger review for today spotlights Middle Grade Fiction nominee Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park: This is a brilliant story that takes place in a town based off of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books, only it is told with eyes wide open to the discrimination that many different ethnicities faced in the times. Click here to read …
REVIEW: Bo the Brave
The featured review for today looks at Fiction Picture Books nominee Bo the Brave by Bethan Woolvin: Kids are enamored of Woollvin’s subversive reinterpretations of classic fairy tales, and her art’s distinctive color schemes and shapes. Their parents and grandparents are (usually) amused too. Click here to read the full review from Round 1 judge Cecelia Larsen on The Adventures …
REVIEW: Curse of the Night Witch (Emblem Island)
In our featured review for the day, you’ll find out more about Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee Curse of the Night Witch (Emblem Island) by Alex Aster: This adventure has some amazing world building and is the primer to Colombian mythology that I didn’t know I needed. Emblem Island is a fantastical place where kids wake up marked with the emblem …
REVIEW: Our Friend Hedgehog
Today’s featured review looks at Early Chapter Books nominee Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren Castillo: The animal characters are lovable, and each has his or her own distinct personality. We loved Owl and his penchant for defining vocabulary words. This story has the feel of a classic, with its cozy illustrations and animal friends teaching values. …
REVIEW: Parachutes
Today’s featured review looks at Young Adult Fiction nominee Parachutes by Kelly Yang: I think the representation of Chinese students coming to America for high school was so interesting. Yang did a lot of research into this and it really shows itself in the story. Click here to read the full review by Round 1 judge Grace Barker, a Creative …
REVIEW: Fighting Words
Today’s featured review looks at a nominee from the Middle Grade Fiction category–Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: Wow. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is better than any writer I know at instilling in my heart a fierce, compassionate love for girls who have come through abuse. That may sound like it’s a sordid, gritty story – but she manages to write …
REVIEW: The Paper Kingdom
Fiction Picture Books nominee The Paper Kingdom, written by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Pascal Campion, is the subject of today’s featured review: I loved how the parents created a fantasy world for their young son. I love how they advised him to be considerate, kind, and nice when he becomes king. Click here to read the full review …
REVIEW: Ghost Squad
Today’s featured review is from the Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category–Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega: The story features an Own Voices representation of Dominican folklore and culture, and it also puts a spotlight on strong friendships and family bonds (including found family). The story is very action-oriented, and kids who like a fast-moving plot will be entranced. The full review …