Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: Middle School


Cover art for GET OVER IT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 28, 2013

"Wholesome, down-to-earth fun. (Fiction. 12-18)"
This sixth installment brings levelheaded songwriter and pop star Sunday Tolliver's career and romantic life to a comfortable--if not definitive--conclusion. Read full book review >
Cover art for GADGET GIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 29, 2013

"Awkwardly and believably, this sensitive novel reveals an artistic teen adapting to family, disability and friendships in all their flawed beauty. (Fiction. 13-17)"
Originally a novella published in the magazine Cicada and the winner of the SCBWI Magazine Merit Award in Fiction, Kamata's latest is a sharp, unusual coming-of-age novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHILLAX
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Jerry Scott, illustrated by Jim Borgman

"Well-executed, clean fun with a heart. (Graphic-and-prose fiction. 12 & up)"
A hybrid graphic-and-prose novel starring Jeremy Duncan from the author and illustrator's comic strip Zits covers well-trodden ground with charm and humor. Read full book review >
Cover art for TOMMYSAURUS REX
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Doug TenNapel, illustrated by Doug TenNapel

"An enjoyable mixed bag of potty humor, insightfulness and the powerful bonds between a pet and its owner. (Graphic fantasy. 9-12)"
A young boy loses his beloved dog, only to have him return as a feisty and lovable T-Rex. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEYOND THE SOLAR SYSTEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013

"Escaping our solar system is not easy, as Voyager has shown, but this is a useful path for budding space scientists. (glossary, resources, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
Science writer Carson goes beyond the planets she described in Exploring the Solar System (2006) to survey the history of stargazing from antiquity to near–present day. Read full book review >
Cover art for 10 LITTLE INSECTS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2013
by Davide Cali, illustrated by Vincent Pianina

"Bright and altogether engaging; aspiring entomologists should find it extra amusing. (Graphic mystery. 10-15)"
A remote island and a weekend getaway, with murder on the menu. Read full book review >