From Classics to MMORPG: #CYBILS2024 Games & Puzzles Book List

book list games puzzles kids teens

Welcome to the #CYBILS2024 Game & Puzzle Emporium … book list style. Make your move on with classic puzzles like Rubik’s Cube, perennial favorite chess; online and roleplaying games, and, last but not least, adventurous quests and escape rooms. And in case you were wondering, there is (a lot) more to these stories than competition and winning.   friendship challenges loyalty …

Indigenous Voices Book List #CYBILS2024

native voices books kids

November is National American Indian Heritage Month, a time to “celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities.”  As we have done in the past, we are celebrating the histories, rich cultures, and vast contributions of Native peoples in books for children and teens. This list includes books written and illustrated …

Our Not-as-Scary Book List, Part 2

halloween books young readers

More eerie. Less scary. Mystery and Adventure the unusual and unexplained ghosts, goblins, and witches Monsters and Zombies … and even laugh-out-loud humor! This is the book list for those of us who love mystery with a side of magic and fantasy, but don’t like – or aren’t ready for – truly dark and scary stuff. There are lots of …

Read. If you dare. Our Spooky, Scary Book List Part 1

halloween book list YA readers

Spine chilling. Hair-raising. Frightening. Read with the lights on.  Nightmare-inducing. If these are the kinds of middle-grade and YA stories you love, have we got the book(s) for you! From creepy to terrifying and chilling to horror. You’ll find realistic, apocalyptic, classic, modern tales and urban legends … all perfect for this, the spooky season! My thanks to judges Hailey …

FRIZZY by Claribel A. Ortega a #CYBILS 📚🎶 

FRIZZY By Claribel A. Ortega Illustrated by Rose Bousamra First Second Books Middle Grade Contemporary, Family, Growing Up, Realistic Fiction Finalist – Elementary/Middle Grade Graphic Novels 2023 CYBILS Awards The Book   Frizzy by Claribel Ortega is an exploration of cultural expectations connected to hair and respectability. Marlene loves art and hanging out with her best friend. But she does not …

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 YA Graphic Novel Finalists

Tuesday seems like a great day to enjoy Graphic Novels, yes? Yeah, you’re right. ANY DAY is an awesome day to dive into graphics. So let’s do it! 2023 WINNER In Limbo Deb JJ Lee First Second Books Nominated by: Kristen Tamara @ Bookish Things -The art in this is so gorgeous. It’s pretty much all in blue and gray …

FRI-YA | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 02.09.2024

Is it us or is there an uptick in the number of book descriptions and reviews that include references to other media [usually books or movies]? We bring you Exhibit A. Two of these statements came from the Goodreads description about the book, two-and-a-half came from our judges. Perfect for fans of All Out and Cemetery Boys Reminds Me Of: Ghosts, Be …

The IN be-TWEEN | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 02.07.2024

One week, friends! Just one more week until the 2023 CYBILS Awards winners are announced. You probably already added the finalists and winners to your TBR, and that’s cool, but our judges read A LOT of great books that, while not award winners, will definitely be winners with young readers. Yes, even picky tween readers. x See for yourself. Book …

Monday Books | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 2.5.2024

Lions and tigers and cats, oh my. Sorry, we couldn’t resist. But it’s true. Today’s roundup has those three creatures. But there’s more! This list of 2023-nominated books includes  include stories of family, friendship, feelings, and, well … see for yourself. And have a FANTASTIC Monday. Book cover and summary excerpt from Goodreads. Click to see more details and reviews. …