Grimly fiendish

Hopefully I’ve got you thinking more about the Damned than current events, but my true intention (rubs hands together) is to introduce you to two brand-new kidlit books perfect for Halloween…or whenever you want shivers crawling up your neck. A sweet, slightly spooky story inspired by the author’s Dominican heritage, Ghost Squad by Claribel A.…Continue reading Grimly fiendish

Spooooky books for kids

I LOVE Halloween! I’ve been reading spooky books all month (oh who am I kidding I read them all year) and I have a couple to recommend, organized by age group. Middle Grade: Small Spaces by Katherine Arden I may never see a scarecrow the same way again. Terrifically creepy with gorgeous writing, tangible settings,…Continue reading Spooooky books for kids

Book review: Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares

I have a new favorite author. Laini Taylor writes YA fantasy novels of unexpected magic, detailed characterization, romance, and adventure. Strange the Dreamer and its sequel, Muse of Nightmares, are her most recent, and I am hooked. If you like soaring, imaginative epics grounded in realistic, complex emotion, you will be too. In Strange the…Continue reading Book review: Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares

Book review: 3 grown-up fairytales

Just right for long, dark nights before the fire (real or electric), these three fairytales for adults kept me reading past my bedtime. Beautiful language, strange and mysterious happenings, and a sense of magic link The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, Melmoth by Sarah Perry, and Damsel by Elana K. Arnold. But be…Continue reading Book review: 3 grown-up fairytales

Book review: 3 sci-fi books for kids

Recently, Alban Lake Publishing sent me a trio of middle-grade sci-fi books to review. If your kids are looking for fun, quick reads–and you’re interested in supporting an independent press–check out Debby Yeo’s Meet the Mercusons and Tyree Campbell’s series, Pyra and the Tektites. Meet the Mercusons is a collection of short fiction, poems, and…Continue reading Book review: 3 sci-fi books for kids