Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Available Now (page 4)


Cover art for TRANSPARENT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"A great fit for fans of unusual love interests, happily free of all the brooding of Twilight. (Science fiction/romance. 13 & up)"
An invisible girl finds it hard to hide in this X-Men–meets–The Godfather debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for P.S. BE ELEVEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"This thoughtful story, told with humor and heart, rings with the rhythms and the dilemmas of the '60s through characters real enough to touch. (Historical fiction. 9-14)"
Readers will cheer the return of the three sisters who captured hearts in the Newbery Honor–winning One Crazy Summer (2010). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NEPTUNE PROJECT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"This suspenseful, undersea dystopia should keep middle schoolers hooked. (Science fiction. 9-12)"
Several centuries after global warming has devastated the planet, a tyrannical government has taken control of the West Coast of America. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FEUD
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"An informed account--both reasoned and reasonable--of the irrational."
A featured voice on the recent History Channel series Hatfields & McCoys offers a detailed and generally dispassionate account of America's most notorious feud. Read full book review >
Cover art for NIGHT SCHOOL
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Hints of tantalizing plot twists to come will have readers panting for the next installment. (Romantic thriller. 14 & up)"
A smart, engaging heroine and gripping, suspenseful plot trump this series opener's all-too-predictable romance. Read full book review >
Cover art for EXTRA SENSORY
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Clegg accomplishes the impressive feat of persuading readers that ESP might exist, while delivering a delightfully astute examination of the current evidence, which remains frustratingly feeble."
Prolific British science writer Clegg (Gravity: How the Weakest Force in the Universe Shaped Our Lives, 2012) takes ESP seriously but resists the temptation to add to the prolific genre that appeals to enthusiasts ("Of course, there are charlatans, BUT…"). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DARK SHORE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Readers will beg for the follow-up to this tense, well-plotted sequel. (Science fiction. 12-17)"
The heroes of The Lost Code (2012) race to stay ahead of EdenCorp and reach the powerful, climate-altering Paintbrush of the Gods first. Read full book review >
Cover art for SEPTEMBER GIRLS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"A not-mermaid story for boys. (Magical realism. 14 & up)"
A meditation on manhood takes a turn into magical realism in this mesmerizing novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ASYLUM
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"While the Gothicism works well, at times Harwood's convolutions become as mystifying to the reader as to the characters he depicts."
Creepy doings--certificates of insanity, switched identities, morbid personalities--in and around an asylum in 19th-century England. Read full book review >
Cover art for LINCOLN DREAMT HE DIED
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Readers who believe dreams are predictive will likely enjoy this book, which is really only saved by the author's talent as a writer. Burstein should drop the dream interpreting and stick to the history of our forefathers."
An acclaimed historian dives headlong into the dreams of some iconic Americans. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOUSEWIFE SUPERSTAR!
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"A feminist sidelight on a region and way of life unfamiliar to a modern American readership."
A biography of Marjorie Bligh, the "grand dame of the [Australian] housekeeping scene." Read full book review >
Cover art for SHAKESPEARE'S PUB
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Brown's wit and extensive research make this a solid book of history, sociology and literature, as well as a great travel guide."
The centuries-long story of the George Inn, which may not have been Shakespeare's local, but proves fascinating nonetheless. Read full book review >