Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen Book Reviews Available Now


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Cover art for A BIG GUY TOOK MY BALL!
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems

"Nineteen books and five Geisel medals or honors along, Elephant and Piggie are still delivering funny, emotionally perceptive stories for just-emerging readers. As the big guy says: "BIG FUN!" (Early reader. 5-8)"
Gerald the elephant and Piggie return with another playground psychodrama, this one with a twist. Read full book review >
Cover art for SEPTEMBER GIRLS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"A not-mermaid story for boys. (Magical realism. 14 & up)"
A meditation on manhood takes a turn into magical realism in this mesmerizing novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DARK SHORE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Readers will beg for the follow-up to this tense, well-plotted sequel. (Science fiction. 12-17)"
The heroes of The Lost Code (2012) race to stay ahead of EdenCorp and reach the powerful, climate-altering Paintbrush of the Gods first. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALL I NEED
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Grab your blankets and sunscreen now: This is an ideal summer beach book. (Romance. 13 & up)"
An unlikely young couple finds true love during summer break--but can it withstand their different lives? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BATHING COSTUME
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013
by Charlotte Moundlic, illustrated by Olivier Tallec, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick

"Who wouldn't? (Picture book. 6-9)"
An 8-year-old boy prepares to have the worst vacation of his life. Read full book review >
Cover art for AT THE ZOO
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"While the information is solid and simply presented, and the photos are eye-catching, the layout gets in the way of clarity. Stick with Kingfisher's Baby Animals series for zoology in board-book form. (Board book. 3-4)"
This introduction to zoology features a cover of layered, bubble-shaped pages of various sizes, each with an image of a zoo animal peeking through. Read full book review >
Cover art for NIGHT SCHOOL
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Hints of tantalizing plot twists to come will have readers panting for the next installment. (Romantic thriller. 14 & up)"
A smart, engaging heroine and gripping, suspenseful plot trump this series opener's all-too-predictable romance. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PLANET THIEVES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Clichés aside, it's an enjoyable, if totally undemanding read for sci-fi–starved audiences. (Science fiction. 9-12)"
Eighteen cadets stand between the terrifying Tremist fleet and the annihilation of Earth! Read full book review >
Cover art for SUPER HAIR-O AND THE BARBER OF DOOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013
by John Rocco, illustrated by John Rocco

"This won't answer those many preschool requests for superhero stories, but it does offer a go-with-the-flow bit of imaginative silliness. (Picture book. 3-6)"
A young superhero falls prey to a Samson complex. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW TO NEGOTIATE EVERYTHING
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Firmly tongue in cheek, but even less sophisticated readers (and parents) should find these elemental suggestions helpful in getting to yes. (Picture book. 6-9, adult)"
Temper tantrums no longer working? "There are very few things in life that you can't get if you ask for them in a rational manner and offer something in return." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NEPTUNE PROJECT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"This suspenseful, undersea dystopia should keep middle schoolers hooked. (Science fiction. 9-12)"
Several centuries after global warming has devastated the planet, a tyrannical government has taken control of the West Coast of America. Read full book review >
Cover art for P.S. BE ELEVEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"This thoughtful story, told with humor and heart, rings with the rhythms and the dilemmas of the '60s through characters real enough to touch. (Historical fiction. 9-14)"
Readers will cheer the return of the three sisters who captured hearts in the Newbery Honor–winning One Crazy Summer (2010). Read full book review >