Author Archives: Kasey

About Kasey

Reads things. Writes things. Fluent in sarcasm. Willful optimist. Cat companion, chocolate connoisseur, coffee drinker. There are some who call me Mom.

Review: Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

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Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

Blood at the Root (Blood at the Root #1)
LaDarrion Williams
Labyrinth Road
Published May 7, 2024

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About Blood at the Root

A teenager on the run from his past finds the family he never knew existed and the community he never knew he needed at an HBCU for the young, Black, and magical . Enroll in this fresh fantasy debut with the emotional power of Legendborn and the redefined ancestral magic of Lovecraft Country .

Ten years ago, Malik’s life changed forever the night his mother mysteriously vanished and he discovered he had uncontrollable … Continue reading →

Review: Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya

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Carnival Fantastico by Angela Montoya

Carnival Fantástico
Angela Montoya
Joy Revolution
Published February 3, 2026

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About Carnival Fantástico

An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that carnival is more sinister than it appears.

Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival’s resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the … Continue reading →

Review: Mouse and His Dog by Katherine Applegate and Jennifer Choldenko

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Mouse and His Dog by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Mouse and His Dog (Dogtown #2)
Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko
Illustrated by Wallace West
Feiwel & Friends
Published September 17, 2024

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About Mouse and His Dog

Mouse lives in Dogtown, a shelter for real dogs and robot dogs, where the kibble is plentiful, and the rafters hide a secret community of mice. His unlikely best friend is Buster, a big-hearted real dog who attracts trouble like a burr to fur.

Determined to help Buster find his forever home, even if means losing his best pal, Mouse embarks on a bold quest with … Continue reading →

Review: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (The Logan Family Saga #4)
Mildred D. Taylor
Dial Books
Published January 5, 2016

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About Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry

Mildred D. Taylor’s Newbery Award-winning masterpiece with an introduction written and read by Jacqueline Woodson, just in time for its 40th anniversary!

Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, this is the story of one family’s struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. And it is also Cassie’s story – Cassie … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: The Lion’s Run by Sarah Pennypacker

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The Lion's Run by Sarah Pennypacker

The Lion’s Run
Sarah Pennypacker
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Balzer + Bray
Published February 3, 2026

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About The Lion’s Run

The acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance.

Petit éclair. That’s what the other boys at the orphanage call Lucas DuBois. Lucas is tired of his cowardly reputation, just as he’s tired of the war and the Nazi occupation of his French village. He longs to show how brave he can be.

He gets the chance when he … Continue reading →

January 2026 Reading Recap

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January 2026 Reading Recap

January 2026 Reading Recap

January has been a whirlwind month. I started the month with extra work from a client, which is great, but came with a bit of a learning curve. Some unexpected opportunities have come up, so I’m excited to see how those things turn out.

Reading-wise, this has been a great month. For the first time ever, I have a spreadsheet listing the unread books I own (and it’s embarrassingly long), and a plan to read more of them this year. I finished my January review requests by the middle of the month and started on February requests, though my reading has slowed down this week.

My littlest is still on a mystery reading binge, … Continue reading →