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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: Middle School

Cover art for NEVER
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
NEVER
by K.D. McEntire
"Easily the best book in the trilogy. (Fantasy. 12-17)"
Left powerless and near death in Reaper (2012), Wendy must unravel the mysteries of her Reaper family before the Lady Walker's evil plans reach fruition. Read full book review >
Cover art for SCHOOL SPIRITS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
Kirkus Star SCHOOL SPIRITS
by Rachel Hawkins
"Here's hoping the Brannicks will be back--their story's marvelous fun. (Paranormal comedy/suspense. 12 & up)"
Izzy--short for Isolde--and her mother are the last in their centuries-old line of monster killers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CYDONIAN PYRAMID
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
Kirkus Star THE CYDONIAN PYRAMID
by Pete Hautman
"Hautman continues to write mind-expanding adventures and nail-biting suspense to probe big questions of faith, destiny and personal responsibility. The next book can't come soon enough. (Science fiction. 12 & up)"
Middle books in trilogies are tricky, but this taut science-fiction thriller pulls it off with panache. Read full book review >
Cover art for RUBY REDFORT TAKE YOUR LAST BREATH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
RUBY REDFORT TAKE YOUR LAST BREATH
by Lauren Child
"A harmless, middle-grade mystery for budding sleuths. (Mystery. 9-14)"
Thirteen-year-old secret agent Ruby Redfort (Look Into My Eyes, 2012) barely has a week to breathe before finding herself in the middle of another dastardly evil plan--oh, there are also pirates, a sea monster, a mysterious stranger and a lost treasure, too. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ENDURING ARK
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
Kirkus Star THE ENDURING ARK
retold by Gita Wolf, illustrated by Joydeb Chitrakar
"A gorgeous re-envisioning of an old, old story. (Picture book/art book. 3 & up)"
A fresh take on an enduring tale retells the story of Noah and Na'mah and the great flood. Read full book review >
Cover art for ELVIS AND THE UNDERDOGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
ELVIS AND THE UNDERDOGS
by Jenny Lee, illustrated by Kelly Light
"Ultimately, the thin plot is far-fetched, even for a story about a talking dog, and readers aware of the true role of service animals will be annoyed by the inaccurate portrayal. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Lee's debut novel, a quirky if formulaic take on bullying and friendship, falls short in its description of the partnership between Benji, the narrator, and Elvis, his talking service dog. Read full book review >