Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: Middle School


Cover art for ALL I NEED
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Grab your blankets and sunscreen now: This is an ideal summer beach book. (Romance. 13 & up)"
An unlikely young couple finds true love during summer break--but can it withstand their different lives? Read full book review >
Cover art for MERMAID IN CHELSEA CREEK
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013
by Michelle Tea, illustrated by Jason Polan

"The ornate literary style and grim themes make this read more like a story about adolescence for adults than one aimed at actual teens. (Magical realism. 12 & up)"
An avant-garde author's fantasy debut is exquisitely written but draining in its unrelenting ugliness. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PLANET THIEVES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"Clichés aside, it's an enjoyable, if totally undemanding read for sci-fi–starved audiences. (Science fiction. 9-12)"
Eighteen cadets stand between the terrifying Tremist fleet and the annihilation of Earth! Read full book review >
Cover art for TRANSPARENT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"A great fit for fans of unusual love interests, happily free of all the brooding of Twilight. (Science fiction/romance. 13 & up)"
An invisible girl finds it hard to hide in this X-Men–meets–The Godfather debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for P.S. BE ELEVEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"This thoughtful story, told with humor and heart, rings with the rhythms and the dilemmas of the '60s through characters real enough to touch. (Historical fiction. 9-14)"
Readers will cheer the return of the three sisters who captured hearts in the Newbery Honor–winning One Crazy Summer (2010). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NEPTUNE PROJECT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013

"This suspenseful, undersea dystopia should keep middle schoolers hooked. (Science fiction. 9-12)"
Several centuries after global warming has devastated the planet, a tyrannical government has taken control of the West Coast of America. Read full book review >