Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Fantasy & Science Fiction


Cover art for HOW MIRKA GOT HER SWORD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010

"Undoubtedly one of the cleverest graphic novels of the year; let's hope this isn't the last of Mirka. (Graphic fantasy. 10-14)"
Like all 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girls, ebullient Mirka must face a six-armed troll to avoid becoming his dinner and obtain a dragon-slaying sword—wait, what? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MEMORY BANK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Carolyn Coman, illustrated by Rob Shepperson

"Brilliantly crafted, thoroughly enjoyable and, though so very like Dahl, unique as a fascinating new way to ponder dreams and memories. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Children's literature has a long history of cruel parents, but Hope Scroggins's are so heartless, they kick their tiny girl Honey out of the car for laughing… and never turn back. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE UNSINKABLE WALKER BEAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Aaron Renier, illustrated by Aaron Renier

Anyone who has said that pirates are an overused motif in youth literature has not yet met Walker Bean. Read full book review >
Cover art for CURSE OF THE WERE-WIENER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Ursula Vernon, illustrated by Ursula Vernon

"Stay tuned. (Graphic hybrid fantasy. 8-11)"
School lunch bites—literally—in the third impossibly droll escapade featuring dragonling Danny Dragonbreath and his peace-loving iguana buddy, Wendell. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CROWFIELD CURSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"Understatedly tender and mystical yet solid; it ends in temporary peace, with sequel potential. (daily abbey schedule, glossary) (Historical fantasy. 9-12)"
In 1347 at a country monastery, a wondrous mystery unfolds. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEPARTURE TIME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by Truus Matti, translated by Nancy Forest-Flier

"Initially perplexing and surreal, the narrative's juxtaposition of fantasy and reality eventually blends beautifully in the convincing conclusion. (Fiction. 10 & up)"
In this debut novel, two seemingly unrelated stories merge into a poignant journey from anger to acceptance. Read full book review >