Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: Middle School


Cover art for TIGER'S VOYAGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2012

"Hankies, cold showers and possibly a neck brace for all the emotional whiplash are recommended. (Paranormal romance. 13 & up)"
Hunky Indian were-tiger–sibling rivals continue to claw at the heart of their American lady love in this quest quartet's penultimate doorstopper. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHEREVER YOU GO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 14, 2011

"Poignant and eventually quite moving. (Paranormal romance. 12 & up)"
This ghost story gently delivers growing emotional power as it explores the thoughts of three teens, including the ghost. Read full book review >
Cover art for FLYAWAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"Emotionally affecting and remarkably convincing. (Fiction. 10-14)"
When newly constructed power lines ruin the annual return of the whooping swans Isla and her father rise early to witness, the death of several of the wild creatures and her father's sudden and severe illness both confound Isla and emphasize her loneliness. Read full book review >
Cover art for UNDER THE MESQUITE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"A promising, deeply felt debut. (Spanish glossary) (Verse fiction. 12 & up)"
A resilient Mexican-American girl copes with familial obligation and loss in this free-verse novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHARLIE'S KEY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"A fast-paced, often riveting mystery with a plausible, thrilling climax. (Mystery. 11-15)"
Thirteen-year-old Charlie inherits just one thing from his troubled dad: a key. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOUSE & LION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
retold by Rand Burkert, illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert

"A favorite ancient fable beautifully presented in the tradition of the finest picture books, this does not replace Jerry Pinkney's transcendent, Caldecott-winning The Lion & the Mouse but proudly takes its place beside it. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
A wee African grass mouse "receives top billing" (according to a concluding note) in this visually stunning retelling of Aesop's fable set amid the Aha Hills of Africa. Read full book review >