Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Nonfiction


Cover art for BIRMINGHAM SUNDAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 20, 2010

"A standout book for its thorough research and comprehensive look at the incident that led to the 1964 passage of civil-rights legislation. (further reading, author's note, source notes, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
Brimner focuses on the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and successfully illuminates in chronological order the events, social tensions and political reverberations of that terror-filled time. Read full book review >
Cover art for SUMMER BIRDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 27, 2010
by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Julie Paschkis

"They, too, will imagine themselves growing up to follow their dreams. (historical note) (Picture book/biography. 4-9)"
It's not often that someone is born both a great scientist and a great artist, especially if that someone is a girl in the middle of the 17th century. Read full book review >
Cover art for LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2010

"An interesting and useful commentary on selected sources rounds out another superb volume by a master of his craft. (Biography. 10 & up)"
Against the wishes of father, family and nation, 19-year-old Gilbert de Lafayette bought a ship, escaped France and became the youngest general in the Continental Army, a teenager leaving a young wife and a huge personal fortune to pursue military glory. Read full book review >
Cover art for COUNTRY ROAD ABC
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
by Arthur Geisert, illustrated by Arthur Geisert

"A simply glorious barn and farm opus. (glossary) (Picture book. 5-9)"
Only someone who's walked the walk and driven the tractor—and is immensely creative besides—could take readers on such an accurate, realistic and fascinating alphabetic farmland journey. Read full book review >
Cover art for JIMI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Gary Golio, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

"Outstanding in every way. (biographical note, author's note, websites, illustrator's note, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Golio examines Jimi Hendrix's childhood creativity as a nurtured progression that stoked an explosively influential expression in the '60s. Read full book review >
Cover art for BALLET FOR MARTHA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 3, 2010

"Archival photographs embellish the biographical notes at the end—a lovely touch. (bibliography, notes) (Informational picture book. 6-10)"
Appalachian Spring, the modern dance that celebrates the wedding of a Pioneer Woman and her Husbandman, is a brillantly conceived and enduring paean to American frontier life. Read full book review >