Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: Middle School


Cover art for THE LOWDOWN ON DENIM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Clayton Hanmer

"Humor and information combine in appealing nonfiction for middle-grade and middle-school readers. (further reading, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 9-13)"
A lighthearted look at the history of everyone's favorite pants couched as a detention report written by a couple of middle-school pranksters. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ODYSSEY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
by Sam Ita, illustrated by Sam Ita

"Homer himself would be agog. (Pop-up classic. 10-13)"
A highlight-reel version of Odysseus' journey home, framed as a graphic novel and plastered with fantastically dramatic pop-ups and other special effects. Read full book review >
Cover art for MANGAMAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 14, 2011
by Barry Lyga, illustrated by Colleen Doran

"An inventive offering, sure to please fans of both American and Japanese comics. (Graphic fiction. 13 & up)"
A daring piece of graphic-novel meta-fiction explores the tropes of manga versus Western comics. Read full book review >
Cover art for AROUND THE WORLD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
by Matt Phelan, illustrated by Matt Phelan

"Three true tales of adventure as grand and admirable in the telling as they were in the doing. (Graphic nonfiction. 10-13)"
With uncommon perception and a flair for visual drama, Phelan tracks three intrepid souls' solo journeys around the world. Read full book review >
Cover art for FASHION KITTY AND THE B.O.Y.S.
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011

"Fashion Kitty has plenty of fans and won't go out of style anytime soon. This installment, however, requires a bit more attentiveness than her previous outings. (creative ideas for crafty kitties; not seen) (Graphic novel. 8-12)"
Fashion Kitty has met her share of enemies, but Leon Lambaster the III is the most devious, dastardly of all. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY BOYFRIEND BITES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
by Dan Jolley, illustrated by Alitha E. Martinez

"Hip, steamy fun. (Graphic paranormal romance. 12-14)"
A small-town teen fond of taking on difficult boyfriends as "projects" acquires a taste for tougher challenges when her newest one turns into a giant bat. Read full book review >