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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old

Cover art for THE BEATLES WERE FAB
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
THE BEATLES WERE FAB: (AND THEY WERE FUNNY)
by Kathleen Krull, Paul Brewer, illustrated by Stacy Innerst

Many adult readers will agree wholeheartedly with the title of this heartfelt paean to the Fab Four, but unfortunately, Krull and Brewer don't quite manage to offer enough evidence to effectively convey to children the Beatles' unique appeal and immense contributions to pop culture. Read full book review >
Cover art for I AM CAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 9, 2013
I AM CAT
by Jackie Morris, illustrated by Jackie Morris
"Slight but exquisite, this lovely hybrid will supplement more comprehensive approaches to the topic. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Striking illustrations and lyrical descriptions will please fans of big cats, but this combination of pictures, fiction and facts may not have quite enough substance to inspire repeat readings or engage general readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAVING THE TEAM
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 7, 2013
SAVING THE TEAM
by Alex Morgan
"Wholesome? Yes. Proper hard work and teamwork values in place? Yes. Paint by numbers? Oh, yes. (soccer glossary) (Fiction. 8-10)"
Olympic gold medalist Morgan runs down the celebrity-sports-fiction checklist in this series opener: New school? Check. New friends? Check. New boyfriend? Maybe! New soccer team? Check. Inspire said team to take on snooty archrival private school? Check. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT MAKES A BABY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 7, 2013
Kirkus Star WHAT MAKES A BABY
by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
"Designed for all kinds of children in all kinds of families, this will be particularly welcome in adoptive and nontraditional families but is, uniquely, an appealing and informative complement to early sex-education discussions with any child. (Informational picture book. 2-7)"
A sex educator and an artist with a graphics background craft an unusually flexible explanation of baby-making for sharing with young children. Read full book review >
Cover art for I AM NOT A COPYCAT!
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 7, 2013
I AM NOT A COPYCAT!
by Ann Bonwill, illustrated by Simon Rickerty
"A picture book that tries and fails to offer a "unique" spin on the tried-and-true odd-couple–friendship formula. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Hugo the Hippo takes pride in being "unique," which causes tension when his friend Bella (a bird) tries to be just like him. Read full book review >
Cover art for A HIDDEN ENEMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 7, 2013
Kirkus Star A HIDDEN ENEMY
by Erin Hunter
"Perfectly crafted. (Adventure. 8-12)"
Following a massive earthquake, leashed dogs and strays alike try to find a way to weather a world turned on end by the catastrophe. Read full book review >