Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: Realistic Fiction for Middle Graders


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Cover art for OUT OF MY MIND
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 9, 2010

"This book is rich in detail of both the essential normalcy and the difficulties of a young person with cerebral palsy. (Fiction. 10 & up)"
Melody, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, cannot walk or talk. Read full book review >
Cover art for CRUNCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010

"Charming and original. (Fiction. 10-14)"
Readers are thrust immediately into the trials and tribulations of 14-year-old Dewey Mariss and his family. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE OTHER HALF OF MY HEART
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010

"An outstanding achievement. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Funny and deeply affecting, this novel by the Steptoe Award winner for Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It (2007) revisits the still largely unexplored world of multiracial heritage. Read full book review >
Cover art for DOODLEBUG
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010

"Charming and thoughtful. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Those who might be tempted to dismiss this heavily illustrated saga of middle-school angst and family upheaval as a Wimpy Kid knock-off will miss an engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 31, 2010

"O'Connor has spun a lovely read that perfectly captures the schemes and plans of school-age kids in the long days of summer. (Fiction. 8-11)"
"The short, sad life of Tooley Graham was over," doesn't sound like a happy conclusion but is pitch perfect in this short, simple and endearing middle-grade novel that follows on the heels of The Small Adeventure of Popeye and Elvis (2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT HAPPENED ON FOX STREET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"Love, belief and caring. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Mo mostly loves living on Fox Street, which has everything except foxes, girlfriends and her mom (who died when she was young). Read full book review >
Cover art for VIOLET IN BLOOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010

"A triumph. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Fifth grade BFFs Katie-Rose, Yasaman, Violet and Camilla ride again in this stride-hitting second entry in the Flower Power series (Luv Ya Bunches, 2009). Read full book review >