Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: Middle School


Cover art for THE MALTESE MUMMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2011
by Trina Robbins, illustrated by Tyler Page

"Good graphic fun. (Graphic mystery. 7-12)"
The Chicagoland Detective Agency returns with another pseudoscientific, near-mystery graphic adventure. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FERRET'S A FOOT
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue

"A winning graphic story all around. (Graphic mystery. 6-12)"
Sasspants, the mystery-loving guinea pig, returns to solve a new case with her faithful—perhaps too faithful—sidekick, Hamisher the hamster. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TREASURE OF DEAD MAN’S LANE AND OTHER CASE FILES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 25, 2010
by Simon Cheshire, illustrated by R.W. Alley

"Generously dappled with Alley's breezy line drawings, the cases are timely and twisting enough to keep the light bulb bright in the young sleuth's mind. (Mystery. 8-12)"
Middle-grader Saxby Smart is back in his Thinking Chair for three more stories in this second volume of his mystery series (The Curse of the Ancient Mask and Other Case Files, 2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for CITY OF SPIES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
by Susan Kim, Laurence Klavan, illustrated by Pascal Dizin

"A nice mix of espionage, romance and adventure, this well-paced, well-drawn tale will surely appeal to thoughtful young readers. (Graphic historical fiction. 12 & up)"
With World War II at its height, fledgling cartoonist Evelyn is embroiled on the homefront in what appears to be a German conspiracy in this retro-tinged graphic novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAMSTER AND CHEESE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue

"Middle graders will close this and ask right away for Detective Pants's next caper. (animal facts) (Graphic mystery. 8-12)"
There is skullduggery afoot at Mr. Venezi's Pets & Stuff: Someone keeps stealing his sandwich, which he puts outside the koala cage every day. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE 3-2-3 DETECTIVE AGENCY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2009
by Fiona Robinson, illustrated by Fiona Robinson

"Good, goofy fun. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)"
While heading by train to Whiska City to chase her dream of becoming a detective, Jenny the donkey meets a menagerie of new friends who will make perfect partners in her new venture. Read full book review >