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: 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 …
REVIEW: Elatsoe
Our featured review for this autumn Wednesday looks at Young Adult Speculative Fiction nominee Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger: Ellie (short for Elatsoe) and her ghost-dog Kirby seek answers to a cousin’s mysterious death in a car accident on a lonely rural road. Using her Lipan Apache tribal wisdom and lore, with assists from her deceased ancestors and living family …
REVIEW: Embassy of the Dead
We know, we know–Halloween was last weekend–but we could resist posting a featured review of spooky Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee Embassy of the Dead by Will Mabbitt, illustrated by Taryn Knight: The Embassy of the Dead is an interesting organization whose primary purpose is to keep the living of the Earthly Plane and the dead from the Afterworld protected …
REVIEW: Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
Our featured review for today looks at Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez: Sal and Gabi are back! Sal’s father is worried about the holes in the universe that Sal made in the first book, accidentally and on purpose pulling things like his mother from other universes. Now his machine to repair …
REVIEW: Sorcery of Thorns
Today’s review of Young Adult Speculative Fiction finalist Sorcery of Thorns (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one panelist Grace, who blogs (both in writing and on video) at Gracegetsbooks. She says in her video: It is a love letter to book lovers everywhere. It’s for anyone who loved the Hogwarts library. It’s for anyone who just feels an awe for …
REVIEW: The Dark Lord Clementine
Today’s review is of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist The Dark Lord Clementine (Amazon, IndieBound). Round one panelist Jennifer, who blogs at Raise them Righteous, wrote: Clementine is the perfect awkward heroine of her own adventure and a lovable title character that won’t soon be forgotten. In fact, I hope to see her in a follow-up book soon!! Read the whole …
REVIEW: Internment
Today we’re looking at Young Adult Speculative Fiction finalist Internment (Amazon, IndieBound)! Our reviewer is round one panelist Jennifer, who blogs at Windy City Reader. She writes: There is so much discussion fodder in this one; I’d add it to a high school government class in a heartbeat. Read the whole review here.
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: Dig
A. S. King’s Dig (Amazon, IndieBound) was originally nominated in Young Adult Fiction, but has since found a home in Young Adult Speculative Fiction. Before it was moved, Young Adult Fiction panelist Kara, who blogs at Great Imaginations, reviewed it: One thing I do have to mention though is that this is my first A.S. King novel, and it won’t be …