Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: Middle School


Cover art for MELODY BURNING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2011

"Too many sour notes in this melody. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
A ham-handed contemporary Phantom of the Opera that features a teen pop sensation and an agoraphobic boy by the adult author of The Wolfen (1978). Read full book review >
Cover art for CIRCUS GALACTICUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 14, 2011

"A book that reaches for the stars and provides a thrilling ride. (Science fiction. 12 & up)"
A plucky orphan runs away to join an intergalactic circus in this frenetic science-fiction/adventure tale.After bullies at the Bleeker Academy for Girls prevent her from attending a gymnastics competition—and thus becoming an astronaut—and a mysterious man visits her in the middle of the night, 15-year-old Beatrix Ling finds refuge with a space-faring circus. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TWILIGHT CIRCUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
by Di Toft

"Definitely a continuation rather than a freestanding episode, but the author keeps her ongoing plot galloping along and adds an assortment of marvelous new creatures to the cast. (Fantasy.10-13) "
An old foe sets a deadly trap for two young werewolves in a sequel framed by family reunions and positively festooned with hideous vampires. Read full book review >
Cover art for DARKER STILL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011

"A good romp for those who enjoy the genre, with some effective suspense. (Paranormal romance. 12 & up)"
Fans of Victorian gothics can get another fix with this new twist on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Read full book review >
Cover art for DARK EDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011

"Carman's dedication to integrating digital content with print is admirable, but as a standalone book, this thriller doesn't thrill. (Mystery. 10-14)"
The author of the Skeleton Creek and Trackers series continues to explore multiplatform narratives with this tale of phobia treatment gone awry. Read full book review >
Cover art for DAVID
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011

"Nonfiction masquerading as a novel and failing as either sort of narrative. (character list, historical note, glossary) (Historical fiction. 13 & up) "
The author of the Stravaganaza series reveals the muse behind Michelangelo's David. Read full book review >