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Kirkus Reviews
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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: Middle School

Cover art for ISLAND OF FIRE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 3, 2013
ISLAND OF FIRE
by Lisa McMann
"Projected to run through four more volumes, the storyline doesn't advance much here--but the quick pace, unresolved issues and Hogwarts-ian setting will keep the audience Wanting more. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
McMann builds her newly minted mage's self-confidence, firms up some emotional hookups and pitches her burgeoning cast into a series of rescues in this middle volume. Read full book review >
Cover art for EXPRESSIONISTA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 3, 2013
EXPRESSIONISTA: HOW TO EXPRESS YOUR TRUE SELF THROUGH (AND DESPITE) FASHION
by Jackie Walker, Pamela Dittmer McKuen, illustrated by Shannon Laskey
"These messages, combined with the limited but practical fashion advice, will help preteens feel prepared for their next shopping trip. (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
For preteens confused by fashion and style, this informative guide will help introduce some basic concepts with a healthy dose of encouragement and self-discovery. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SONG OF THE QUARKBEAST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 3, 2013
THE SONG OF THE QUARKBEAST
by Jasper Fforde
"For fans of Fforde and the first installment. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Fforde's signature quirky humor and tongue-in-cheek social commentary persist in the second book of The Chronicles of Kazam trilogy (The Last Dragonslayer, 2012). Read full book review >
Cover art for RISKED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 3, 2013
RISKED
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
"Plenty of fun and great for history teachers as well. (Science fiction. 8-12)"
The time-traveling middle schoolers are back for a trip to rescue Anastasia and Alexis Romanov from their 1918 murderers. Read full book review >
Cover art for TWINMAKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 3, 2013
TWINMAKER
by Sean Williams
"Williams marries accessibly explored moral ramifications of future technologies--a hallmark of mature science fiction--with a strong, capable teen heroine and heart-pounding action (just flip past the romance). (author's note) (Science fiction. 12 & up)"
To save her best friend, Clair must uncover a terrible conspiracy in this futuristic thriller. Read full book review >
Cover art for FROG TROUBLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 3, 2013
FROG TROUBLE
by Sandra Boynton, illustrated by Sandra Boynton
"This is children's music grown-ups won't mind hearing over and over, no trouble at all. (Songbook/CD. 3 & up)"
For listeners of all ages, Boynton and Michael Ford's latest CD/songbook combination presents 12 new songs in a country-western mode. Read full book review >