Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Cybils Award Winners


Cover art for ROT & RUIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010

"The result is an action-packed, thought-provoking look at life—and death—as readers determine the true enemy. (Science fiction. 13 & up)"
It's been 14 years since First Night, when a zombie apocalypse turned America into the Rot and Ruin wasteland and war-torn survivors formed a new community behind a protective fence and away from "Godless behaviors." Read full book review >
Cover art for WE ARE IN A BOOK!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems

"You bet. (Early reader. 4-8)"
Stalwart friends Piggie and Gerald the elephant push the metafictive envelope in a big way when they realize that "someone is looking at us." Read full book review >
Cover art for YUMMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke

"A much-needed look at the terrifying perils of life on the margins that will have all readers pondering the heady question of moral responsibility. (Graphic fiction. 12 & up)"
A haunting, ripped-from-the-headlines account of youth gang violence in Chicago provides the backdrop for a crucial mediation on right and wrong. Read full book review >
Cover art for INTERRUPTING CHICKEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by David Ezra Stein, illustrated by David Ezra Stein

"Closing with an intimate snuggle after Papa instantly dozes off, this tender iteration of a familiar nighttime ritual will be equally welcomed by fond parents and those children for whom listening to stories is anything but a passive activity. (Picture book. 4-6)"
Despite repeated vows to stop interrupting, a little red chicken can't resist jumping in to cut her Papa's bedtime tales short with plot giveaways—"DON'T GO IN! Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SHADOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2010
by Jacqueline West, illustrated by Poly Bernatene

"Unfortunately readers probably won't care much about who wins nor about the possibility of volume two. (Fantasy. 10-12)"
Preoccupied parents, a solitary young girl, talking cats—sound familiar? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
by Tom Angleberger, illustrated by Tom Angleberger

"A skewed amalgam of Wayside Stories and Wimpy Kid that is sure to please fans of both. (Origami Yoda instructions) (Fiction. 8-12)"
Sixth grader Tommy has a dilemma: He doesn't know whether to trust the advice of Origami Yoda, who dispenses wisdom from his perch on the finger of mega-nerd Dwight. Read full book review >