Category Archives: By Age Range

Review: Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett

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Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient History to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett

Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett
Candlewick Press
Published May 13, 2025

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About Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day

An essential introduction to trans history, from ancient times to the present day, in full-color graphic nonfiction format. Deeply researched, highly readable, and featuring a broad range of voices.

What does “trans” mean, and what does it mean to be trans? Diversity in human sex and gender is not a modern phenomenon, … Continue reading →

Review: Witchwood by Kalyn Josephson

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Witchwood by Kalyn Josephson

Witchwood (Ravenfall #3)
Kalyn Josephson
Delacorte Press
Published October 1, 2024

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About Witchwood

The third book in the “spellbinding” (Kirkus Reviews) Ravenfall series follows Anna and Colin, two kids with supernatural powers, into the magical town of Witchwood, where local witches have gone missing—and Anna might be next.

Everything is changing at Ravenfall, the magical inn that best friends Anna Ballinkay and Colin Pierce call home. The leaves are turning golden, the air is as crisp as a harvest apple, and Anna’s older twin sisters are leaving for college… but at least Anna and Colin have finally reunited after … Continue reading →

Review: Shadow Apprentice by Linda Browne

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Shadow Apprentice by Linda Browne

Shadow Apprentice (The Garrison Chronicles #1)
Linda Browne
Crooked Mile Media
Published May 8, 2024

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About Shadow Apprentice

FINALIST, THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS 2024

13-year-old Ermin is a gifted mechanic and the worst student at St. Anselm’s Training School for Orphans. She’s just failed her exams for the third time—something nobody’s ever done. Worse, Ermin’s been running her own repair business for money, something that’s expressly forbidden. If the headmistress finds out, Ermin will go to prison. Her future will be over before it’s even begun.

But that’s not her only secret.

Her best … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: North of Tomboy by Julie A. Swanson

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North of Tomboy by Julie A. Swanson

North of Tomboy
Julie A. Swanson
SparkPress
Published September 2, 2025

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About North of Tomboy

For fans of Kacen Callender, Lin Thompson, and Kyle Lukoff, comes a middle grade novel set in 1973 about a child who feels more boy than girl and is frustrated that people act blind to that when—aside for her stupid hair and clothes—it should be obvious!

Shy fourth grader Jess Jezowski turns the tables on her mom when she’s given yet another girly baby doll for Christmas. This time, instead of ignoring or destroying it, she transforms it into the boy … Continue reading →

Review: Guardians of Dawn: Yuli by S. Jae-Jones

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Guardian of Dawn: Yuli S. Jae-Jones

Guardians of Dawn: Yuli (Guardians of Dawn #3)
S. Jae-Jones
Wednesday Books
Published August 19, 2026

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About Guardians of Dawn: Yuli

Princess Yulana has a few problems. Her late grandfather has died without naming an heir, civil war threatens to tear the Morning Realms apart, a strange waking dreamer sickness is sweeping through the land, and a plague of hungry ghosts roam the steppes. On top of all of that, Kho, her former best friend turned rival, is getting under her skin. A struggle for power divides the north, and the outcome rests on the winner of the Grand Game―a competition … Continue reading →

Amazing Cat Books for Readers Ages 6 to 8

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Amazing Cat Books for Readers Ages 6 to 8

Amazing Cat Books for Readers Ages 6 to 8

If you’re a returning reader on The Story Sanctuary, you will probably not be surprised to learn we are cat people around here. I have two cats at home for the sole reason that my husband will not permit us to have three. We love our boys. One came to us through our vet’s office, when someone brought in a litter of feral kittens. The other came to us through an animal shelter. They’re both sweet snuggly furballs. One is a pretty constant reading buddy to me, but both of them love to sit with my daughter and me for whatever we … Continue reading →