Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Books for Teens: Contemporary Novels


Cover art for BLANK CONFESSION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 16, 2010

"A sure hit with teen readers. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
A stranger rides into town on a battered old BMW motorcycle and with mad ninja skills stands up to the drug-dealing bullies in the high school, then walks into the police station and confesses to murder. Read full book review >
Cover art for PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"The author depicts the journey to overcome a legacy of poverty, violence, addiction and ignorance as an arduous one, but Vera's path glimmers with grace and hope. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
A harrowing but ultimately redemptive tale of adolescent angst gone awry. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE THINGS A BROTHER KNOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010

"Powerful. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
Levi's older brother Boaz enlisted in the Marines after graduating from high school rather than attend an elite university as expected. Read full book review >
Cover art for DARK WATER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010

"Notable for well-drawn characters, an engaging plot and, especially, hauntingly beautiful language, this is an outstanding book. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
This debut solo effort after several collaborations with husband Tom McNeal (The Decoding of Lana Morris, 2007, etc.) stands out in the crowded coming-of-age field. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE 10 P.M. QUESTION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"Gorgeously written, this bittersweet chronicle of family complexities is wise but never pat—a masterful meditation on anxiety and courage that will be savored by thoughtful readers. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
A talented artist and observer of birds, 12-year-old New Zealander Frankie has always been friends with his pal Gigs. Read full book review >
Cover art for NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"It's rare to see second- and third-wave feminism square off in YA literature so successfully; don't miss this round. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Another powerful, involving exploration of teen girls' identities and relationships from the ever-improving Vivian (A Little Friendly Advice, 2008, Same Difference, 2009). Read full book review >