Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Available Now (page 7)


Cover art for FIVE SUMMERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013

"In the end, this debut feels long and may not contain enough real substance to appeal to even the most avid of summer-camp fans. (Fiction. 12-16)"
BFFs Emma, Jo, Skylar and Maddie meet up at Camp Nedoba the year after their last summer at the traditional camp, intending to renew their personal vows of loyalty to each other and to enjoy a nostalgic week of s'mores and summer fun. Read full book review >
Cover art for GIVING TO THE POOR
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013

"Still, a fast-paced ride that should appeal to both boys and girls. (Thriller. 10-14)"
Robbie Forester, aided by her magic charm and multicultural band of do-gooders, Tut-Tut, Ashanti and Silas, again battles evil developer Sheldon Gunn and his nefarious underlings (Robbie Forester and the Outlaws of Sherwood Street, 2012). Read full book review >
Cover art for FIRECRACKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013

"Being called a firecracker is a derogatory term as far as Astrid is concerned, but for readers, it simply means entertaining. (Fiction. 12-16)"
Not your everyday poor-little-rich-girl story. Read full book review >
Cover art for PEST IN SHOW
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013

"This silly read-, dance- and sing-aloud could be a smash hit. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Backyard insect thespians Ladybug and her pesky younger brother Fly compete to star in this hilarious pun-filled performance, sure to tickle the fancy of fun- and pun-loving youngsters and would-be young stars. Read full book review >
Cover art for TRUCK STOP
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013
by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Melissa Iwai

"For truck lovers everywhere. (Picture book. 2-6)"
A day in the life of a truck stop as told by its youngest worker, whose love for the place is very clear. Read full book review >
Cover art for OCTOPUS ALONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013
by Divya Srinivasan, illustrated by Divya Srinivasan

"A gentle, positive story set in a world far less scary than that of Pixar's Nemo. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Shy Octopus flees the sea horses who dance into her cozy cave, but the deeper ocean is lonely and a little scary, so she returns to her friends in the lively reef. Read full book review >
Cover art for BELLA'S RULES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013
by Elissa Haden Guest, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

"A winner. (Picture book. 4-8)"
As one might guess from the title, boisterous Bella's rules are in serious conflict with the family rules. Read full book review >
Cover art for DON'T EAT THE BABY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 16, 2013
by Amy Young, illustrated by Amy Young

"Who would have thought that threatened cannibalism could yield such a sweet and original little read in a market glutted with new-sibling stories? (Picture book. 3-7)"
They'll eat him up they love him so. Or so this new big brother fears. Read full book review >
Cover art for TAKE, BURN OR DESTROY
FICTION
Released: May 16, 2013

"Another vivid adventure with a tumultuous historical backdrop--not to be missed by fans of pirates and naval strategy or by history buffs."
Captains courageous, ambitious and resolute do furious battle on the high seas in the midst of the French Revolution. Read full book review >
Cover art for A DOG WALKS INTO A NURSING HOME
NONFICTION
Released: May 16, 2013

"Endearing thoughts on aging and companionship."
Reflections on a rest home for the elderly. Read full book review >
Cover art for GETTYSBURG
NONFICTION
Released: May 15, 2013

"Robust, memorable reading that will appeal to Civil War buffs, professional historians and general readers alike."
A stirring account of the "greatest and most violent collision the North American continent [has] ever seen," just in time for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Read full book review >
Cover art for RAPSCALLION
FICTION
Released: May 15, 2013

"Not a page without peril, whether from pistol, blade or rogue."
Bonaparte at war with England provides a backdrop for McGee's (Hawkwood, 2012, etc.) third Matthew Hawkwood saga. Read full book review >