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 BEYOND THE SOLAR SYSTEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"Escaping our solar system is not easy, as Voyager has shown, but this is a useful path for budding space scientists. (glossary, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
Science writer Carson goes beyond the planets she described in Exploring the Solar System (2006) to survey the history of stargazing from antiquity to near–present day. Read full book review >
Cover art for 10 LITTLE INSECTS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Davide Cali, illustrated by Vincent Pianina

"Bright and altogether engaging; aspiring entomologists should find it extra amusing. (Graphic mystery. 10-15)"
A remote island and a weekend getaway, with murder on the menu. Read full book review >
Cover art for LITTLE RED HOOD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Marjolaine Leray, translated by Sarah Ardizzone, illustrated by Marjolaine Leray

"It definitely conveys a sense of power and control that small children in red cloaks don't often get to enjoy. Gruesomely satisfying. (Picture book. 6-12)"
Two colors, minimal words, no grandma and a role reversal make for an eye-opening take on the traditional story. Read full book review >
Cover art for ROMEO BLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"Patient readers will nevertheless enjoy this combination spy novel/coming-of-age story. (Historical fiction. 11-16)"
In the sequel to The Romeo and Juliet Code (2011), 12-year-old Flissy's World War II adventures continue. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LIFE OF JESUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Sophie Piper, illustrated by Angelo Ruta

"A brief but thorough introduction to a complex subject. (Religion. 5-10)"
The story of the life of Jesus is retold for school-age children using a small, attractive format that will be popular for the gift market. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LION BIBLE TO KEEP FOR EVER
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Lois Rock, illustrated by Sophie Allsopp

"An excellent choice for family reading or religious education programs. (Religion. 7-13)"
The Christian Bible is skillfully summarized in 50 episodes in this accessible, illustrated interpretation. Read full book review >