Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Cybils Award Winners (page 2)


Cover art for SPLIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 9, 2010

"Readers seeking sensational violence should look elsewhere; this taut, complex family drama depicts abuse unflinchingly but focuses on healing, growth and learning to take responsibility for one's own anger. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
This portrait of a family shaped and scarred by abuse asks how both victims and perpetrators can move forward. Read full book review >
Cover art for ZAPATO POWER
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Miguel Benítez

"An unusually appealing early chapter book. (Fiction. 6-9)"
When a mysterious gift turns out to be superpowered purple sneakers, Freddie Ramos looks for ways to be a superhero. Read full book review >
Cover art for MIRROR MIRROR
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Josée Masse

"A mesmerizing and seamless celebration of language, imagery and perspective. (note on the form) (Poetry. 8-12)"
A collection of masterful fairy-tale–inspired reversos—a poetic form invented by the author, in which each poem is presented forward and backward. Read full book review >
Cover art for MEANWHILE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
by Jason Shiga, illustrated by Jason Shiga

"That said, make your choice carefully. (Graphic fiction. 10 & up)"
All choices have weight, even the most banal. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2010
by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham

"A heartwarming tribute to both the writing life in general and the well-loved humorist—oops, sorry Susy… "Pholosopher!" (author's note, how to write a biography, time line, sources) (Picture book/biography. 8-11)"
From 1885 to '86, Mark Twain's 13-year-old daughter Susy Clemens wrote a 130-page biography of her father out of indignation: Her dear Papa was no mere humorist! Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SECRET OF THE YELLOW DEATH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2009

With plenty of gory details, Jurmain recounts the six months in 1900 when Dr. Walter Reed and his team of doctors in Cuba determined that mosquitoes carry yellow fever. Read full book review >