Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's and Teen: Middle School


Cover art for TOWERING
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Readers may pick it up for the reimagined fairy tale, but they'll remember it for Rachel. (Fantasy. 12-18)"
A contemporary retelling of "Rapunzel" overcomes a somewhat connect-the-dots feel with its gentle, spirited heroine. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ROSE THRONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"It ends with one princess in exile and the other separated from her true love; whether there's a sequel to wrap up the dangling plotlines is unclear. Also unclear is whether readers will want it. (Fantasy. 11-15)"
A tale of two princesses and a fair amount of magic. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GLITTER TRAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"Featuring zany escapades, madcap magic and a cantankerous fairy godmother, this effervescent series debut enchants. (Fantasy. 9-12)"
A chance encounter with a fairy godmother with a penchant for glitter leads to merry mischief for 12-year-old Lacey. Read full book review >
Cover art for A BOX OF GARGOYLES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"A flavorful mille-feuille with equally tasty layers of dark magic, light comedy and salty determination. (Suspense. 12-15)"
Receiving birthday well-wishes is a delight, unless one of those greetings is on creepy green stationery that obligates you to reanimate a supposed-to-be-dead wicked relative. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CAGED GRAVES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013

"This unusual romantic mystery stands out. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
When an inquisitive teen returns to her birthplace to meet her fiance, she uncovers a bizarre mystery surrounding her mother's grave, unleashing disturbing buried secrets. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHARLIE JOE JACKSON'S GUIDE TO SUMMER VACATION
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
by Tommy Greenwald, illustrated by J.P. Coovert

"A series that improves with each offering. (Fiction. 9-14)"
Attending camp, especially an academic enrichment camp, turns out to be more than notorious slacker Charlie Joe Jackson bargained for. Read full book review >