Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: 9 - 11 years old


Cover art for THE WATCHER IN THE SHADOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013
by Chris Moriarty, illustrated by Mark E. Geyer

"Exciting, action-packed and absolutely marvelous. (Fantasy. 10 & up)"
The magic is darker in this intense sequel to The Inquisitor's Apprentice (2011). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE YEAR OF THE BABY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013
by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Patrice Barton

"Middle-grade readers will find many ways to connect with Anna and her friends in this warm family and school story. (Fiction. 7-10)"
Worried that her newly adopted baby sister isn't gaining weight, fifth-grader Anna Wang and her friends Camille and Laura make the toddler the subject of a successful science-fair project. Read full book review >
Cover art for HANDBOOK FOR DRAGON SLAYERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013

"While suffering from a surfeit of events and ideas, still a truly terrific read. (Historical fantasy. 10-14)"
A delightful middle-grade fantasy falters only in its excess of exuberance. Read full book review >
Cover art for GRASSHOPPER MAGIC
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013
by Lynne Jonell, illustrated by Brandon Dorman

"With Celia, Derek and Abner all having played starring roles in the series, fans will be eager for Tate's turn. (Magical adventure. 6-9)"
Hollowstone Hill's magic (Lawn Mower Magic, 2012, etc.) returns in grasshoppers that, when fried and eaten, give Abner Willow an unexpected bounce. Read full book review >
Cover art for TWERP
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013

"Goldblatt's tale provides a thought-provoking exploration of bullying, personal integrity and self-acceptance. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
Twelve-year-old Julian is assigned the task of keeping a journal that details the events that led up to his suspension for bullying. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PIRATE'S COIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013
by Marianne Malone, illustrated by Greg Call

"Dedicated Sixty-Eight Rooms readers will have the patience to sift through, but if newcomers to the series start here, they just might abandon ship. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Sixth-grade sleuths Jack and Ruthie are no strangers to the magic of the miniature Thorne Rooms, but this time, changing the past may do more harm than good. Read full book review >