Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen Book Reviews Coming Soon (page 7)


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Cover art for SPIRIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"For dedicated series fans only. (Paranormal romance. 12-18)"
The third in the Elemental series largely turns from the charismatic Merricks to the problems of Hunter, a spirit elemental who was introduced in the first title, Storm (2012). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SECRET OF THE TWELFTH CONTINENT
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Antonia Michaelis, illustrated by Ralf Nievelstein, translated by Mollie Hosmer-Dillard

"Facile, but well-stocked with tiny people, odd little twists and narrow squeaks. (Fantasy. 10-12)"
A foundling with anger issues takes on a sentient island with the same problem in this loosely linked sequel to The Secret Room (2012). Read full book review >
Cover art for GETTYSBURG
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"Thorough to a fault, and for young readers at least, no replacement for Jim Murphy's oldie but goodie The Long Road to Gettysburg (1992). (glossary, index, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 12-15)"
Wagonloads of detail weigh down this overstuffed account of the Civil War's most significant battle and its aftermath. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOUNG JERRY FORD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"A revealing portrait of the formative years of a future president of the United States. (Biography. 10-14)"
A vivid, colorful and insightful biography of the 38th president of the United States looks at his childhood and adolescence. Read full book review >
Cover art for BORIS GETS A LIZARD
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Andrew Joyner, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

"A fun romp with an anthropomorphized swine will leave beginning readers "hog wild" at their accomplishments. (Early reader. 5-7)"
Boris, an ugly but somehow truly winsome warthog, is back for another outing. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOTHER TERESA
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Lewis Helfand, illustrated by Sachin Nagar

""Why did she want to help? Why could she not turn a blind eye to those in need?" A searching and reverent treatment. (bibliography, foldout poster) (Graphic biography. 11-14)"
Mother Teresa shines brightly both figuratively and literally in this graphic portrait of her life and mission. Read full book review >
Cover art for KINDERGARDE
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
edited by Dana Teen Lomax

"Adventurous writings for literary risk-takers and thrill-seekers. (author biographies, afterword) (Anthology. 10-14)"
A collection of original prose and poetry that ranges from thoughtful to provocative and from experimental to really far-out. Read full book review >
Cover art for CLASS PETS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Susan Nees, illustrated by Susan Nees

"An amusing and attractive early chapter book that will be popular with girls anxious to project reading competency to competing classmates. (Fiction. 5-7)"
Flamboyant, self-confident Missy is back for a second outing for transitioning readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for SCREAMING QUIETLY
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"It's a timely topic with a pat resolution, framed for reluctant readers in choppy prose and short chapters, but it's not likely to break out of its hi-lo niche. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
In this unvarnished read, a high schooler tries to distance himself from his profoundly autistic younger brother until he hooks up with a good woman who snaps him out of it. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAUNTERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"Reluctant readers and adventure/suspense junkies will gallop through this volume and haunt the shelves for the sequel. (Adventure. 10-14)"
This fast-paced novel incorporates a variety of tropes and modes--time travel and dream walking, adventure and suspense--to produce a rewarding, page-turning read. Read full book review >
Cover art for A PUPPY FOR KEVIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Liesbet Slegers, illustrated by Liesbet Slegers

"A sweetly positive new-pet primer. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Aimed at very young readers, a book that's all about caring for a new best friend. Read full book review >
Cover art for VICKS, THE POLAR BEAR CUB
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Mack, illustrated by Mack

"A mostly winning combination of information and entertainment. (Informational picture book. 4-8)"
The first year of life for the Rotterdam Zoo's new resident, born in 2010. Read full book review >