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 ALICE-MIRANDA TAKES THE STAGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Harvey's tale, featuring a comically inept, melodramatic villainess and a precocious heroine who is unfailingly kindhearted, will captivate readers. (Mystery. 7-11)"
Seven-year-old Alice-Miranda returns in a jaunty adventure that combines mystery and theatrics. Read full book review >
Cover art for PAPERBOY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"An engaging and heartfelt presentation that never whitewashes the difficult time and situation as Little Man comes of age. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
Little Man, whose real name isn't revealed until the conclusion, stutters badly, a situation that presents new difficulties now that he's taken over his friend's paper route for a month. Read full book review >
Cover art for ODD DUCK
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
by Cecil Castellucci, illustrated by Sara Varon

"This clever celebration of individuality delights. (Graphic fiction. 6-10)"
A sublime tale of two strange ducks who overcome the odds--pun completely intended--and become friends. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BEATLES WERE FAB
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

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 VOTE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 13, 2013

"Still, especially for kids who have watched recent elections, Kevin's brand of campaigning is readily recognizable. (Fiction. 10-14)"
Kevin knows the buzzwords that will surely get him elected student-body president; it's unfortunate that he's running for the wrong reason. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAVING THE TEAM
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 7, 2013

"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 >