Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Children: Adrenaline Rushes (page 2)


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Cover art for WILD WINGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 19, 2011
by Gill Lewis, illustrated by Yuta Onoda

"With universal themes of life and death, friendship and respect for the natural world, this is still quite particular, a powerfully memorable story of a boy's grief and determination to keep a promise. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Striving to protect the osprey nesting on his family's farm in Scotland, 11-year-old Callum McGregor watches the bird throughout summer, uses a computer to follow her migration to Africa and sets in motion a remarkable chain of events. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FIRES BENEATH THE SEA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011

"A lush and intelligent opener for a topical eco-fantasy series. (Fantasy. 9-13)"
Nature and science in a vivid Cape Cod setting create layers of meaning as 13-year-old Cara and her brothers confront the puzzle of their mother's disappearance. Read full book review >
Cover art for SIDEKICKS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011

"Look for more twists than a pretzel factory and a possible sequel. (Superhero fantasy. 11-14)"
The author who made a splash with The Big Splash (2008) takes the "costumed superheroes" genre out for a joyride, and anyone who comes along will never read comics the same way again. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRAGON CASTLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 9, 2011

"The story recalls Lloyd Alexander at his wry, humane best; readers will be happy for every moment they spend at castle Hladka Hvorka. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Noted Native American storyteller and author Bruchac turns to the Slovakian side of his family heritage to produce an entirely fresh and funny fantasy. Read full book review >
Cover art for TWINKLE TWINKLE LITLE STAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 17, 2011
by Jane Taylor, illustrated by Michael Hague, developed by Flying Word, Inc.

"That readers will be introduced to several more verses than the usual first four is just icing on this particularly luscious cake. (iPad storybook app. 3-7)"
First a poem, then a lullaby, often a book and now an app—how we wonder what you... will be next. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SILVER BOWL
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 21, 2011

"A most worthy and enjoyable entry in the "feisty female" fantasy genre. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Veteran Stanley concocts a delicious blend of familiar fairy-tale motifs and intriguing, well-rounded characters to create an engaging fantasy. Read full book review >