Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen Book Reviews Available Now (page 4)


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Cover art for REMEMBER DIPPY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"An enjoyable and provocative exploration of the clash between "normal" and "different" and how similar the two really are. (Fiction. 12-15)"
Summer is supposed to be about lazy days, but for Johnny, summer doesn't quite turn out the way he expects. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAPPY BIRDDAY, TACKY!
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

"Another enthusiastic embrace of silliness from Antarctica. (Picture book. 3-6)"
It takes a lot of planning to put together the perfect penguin party. And even then... Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SLEEPWALKERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
by Viviane Schwarz, illustrated by Viviane Schwarz

"An intriguing premise, but it's too cramped and cryptic to reach its full potential. (Graphic fantasy. 10-13)"
From a floating, dream-proof Safe House, a diverse squad intrepidly issues forth to rescue children from attacks of nightmares in this melodramatic, rather confusing graphic outing. Read full book review >
Cover art for ASTRONAUT ACADEMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
by Dave Roman, illustrated by Dave Roman

"Definitely goofy. (Graphic science fiction. 10-14)"
Hakata Soy and his fellow students at Astronaut Academy return from break to an academy in lockdown. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SWEET DEAD LIFE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Hallelujah! A paranormal tale of angels that's not a romance, making it a novel that breaks the mold. (Paranormal fiction. 13 & up)"
For 13-year-old Jenna Samuels, things have been going really badly: She's pretty sure she's dying, her father has mysteriously abandoned the family, her mother is nearly catatonic with depression, and then her brother dies and becomes an "A-word." Read full book review >
Cover art for I DREAMT...A BOOK ABOUT HOPE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
by Gabriela Olmos, translated by Elisa Amato

"Bibliotherapy is a tricky business, as is the desire to shield young children from images that may cause nightmares. This is sure to arouse passion in both camps. (editor's note) (Picture book. 7-12)"
Created to benefit the International Board on Books for Young People's Fund for Children in Crisis program, this picture book presents provocative images and ideas regarding the violence many young people encounter. Read full book review >
Cover art for AMAZONIA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
retold by Daniel Munduruku, illustrated by Nikolai Popov, translated by Jane Springer

"As the reteller states in his preface, "Myths allow us to recognize our proper role in the web of life," but this anthology will require an intermediary who can creatively make the connections between the text and its readers. (Folk tales. 9-12)"
Twelve folk tales from various Amazonian cultures are retold, but their audience is unclear. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLACK FLAME
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"A heartfelt story for dog lovers in a setting rarely seen in the West. (Fiction. 10-14)"
A dog's-eye view of life in Tibet and Mongolia. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SERVANT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Fans of literary and historical fiction will be drawn to this rich portrayal of the challenges faced and opportunities forged by brave young women in patriarchal, war-torn Lebanon. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
First published in Arabic in 2010, this is the compelling story of a determined young woman coming of age during the Lebanese civil war in 1987. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE COLOR OF RAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Those ready to gloss over the stereotypical characters, the presentation of an all-white, exclusively hetero future and the unfortunate subtextual implications will enjoy an elegantly written and emotionally cathartic page-turner. (Science fiction. 14 & up)"
A science-fiction thriller delivers on suspense but turns squeamish over its edgy premise. Read full book review >
Cover art for SWANS & KLONS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Although aimed at LGBT readers and despite its unevenness, philosophical dystopia fans of all orientations will find much to appreciate in this story that tackles big ideas. (Dystopian adventure. 13-17)"
In an idyllic all-female future, Rubric and Salmon Jo's luxurious life is disrupted by their Utopia's dark side. Read full book review >
Cover art for NEVER
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Easily the best book in the trilogy. (Fantasy. 12-17)"
Left powerless and near death in Reaper (2012), Wendy must unravel the mysteries of her Reaper family before the Lady Walker's evil plans reach fruition. Read full book review >