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 …
REVIEW: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Today we’re looking at Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (Amazon, IndieBound), an Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee. It was reviewed by the category chair, Charlotte, who blogs at Charlotte’s Library. She wrote: Wow! This is so powerful, and sad, and important, and funny (in places), and the sort of book one wants to give to kids Right Now. …
REVIEW: The Wicked King
We’re featuring Young Adult Speculative Fiction nominee The Wicked King (Amazon, IndieBound) today! Our review comes from Young Adult Speculative Fiction round one panelist Grace, who blogs at GraceGetsBooks. She writes: I read this book over spring break and I read the whole thing in a day. It’s amazing and I cannot wait for The Queen of Nothing, which by the way …
REVIEW: Dragon Pearl
Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction round one panel Beth recently highlighted today’s review of nominee Dragon Pearl (Amazon, IndieBound) on her blog Imaginary Friends. She wrote: Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee combines Korean mythology, science fiction, and mystery in a terrific adventure story. Larrabee and I both loved it. Read the rest of the review here.
REVIEW: The Grace Year
We’re featuring a review of Young Adult Speculative Fiction nominee The Grace Year (Amazon, IndieBound) today, done by YA Speculative Fiction (or YA SpecFic as we tend to shorten it around here) panelist Jennifer, who is active on Goodreads. She wrote: If I could have read through my hands covering my face I would have. If you like horror, you’ll …
REVIEW All the Impossible Things
Today’s review of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction nominee All the Impossible Things (Amazon, Indiebound) comes from round 1 panelist Jennifer, who blogs at RaiseThem Righteous. She writes: All the Impossible Things (2019) swept me away like a discarded paper bag on a windy day. It’s a beautiful story that is skillfully written and carefully paced with brave characters who love each …
REVIEW: Inkling
Our featured blog review for today comes from Round 1 judge Dr. Cheryl Vanatti, an education specialist and former teacher in Florida who blogs at Reading Rumpus. One of the books she recently reviewed was Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist Inkling by Kenneth Oppel: Inkling is a master class in personification. Taking an ink blot and not only giving it …