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2011 Best Books for Children: Graphic Novels & Illustrated Chapter Books

Cover art for SECRETS AT SEA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
Kirkus Star SECRETS AT SEA
by Richard Peck, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
"Sheer delight. (final art not seen) (Animal fantasy. 8-12)"
Problem novels, ghost stories, historical fiction--is there anything Newbery Medalist Peck cannot do? Apparently not. Read full book review >
Cover art for AROUND THE WORLD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
Kirkus Star AROUND THE WORLD
by Matt Phelan, illustrated by Matt Phelan
"Three true tales of adventure as grand and admirable in the telling as they were in the doing. (Graphic nonfiction. 10-13)"
With uncommon perception and a flair for visual drama, Phelan tracks three intrepid souls' solo journeys around the world. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIESL & PO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
Kirkus Star LIESL & PO
by Lauren Oliver, illustrated by Kei Acedera
"An irresistible read: This book sings. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE INQUISITOR'S APPRENTICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
Kirkus Star THE INQUISITOR'S APPRENTICE
by Chris Moriarty, illustrated by Mark Edward Geyer
"A marvelous, mystical romp that doesn't ignore reality. A hint of a possible sequel whets readers' appetite for more: Yes, please! (author's note) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Thirteen-year-old Sacha lives in New York City's Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. Or does he? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE CHESHIRE CHEESE CAT: A DICKENS OF A TALE
by Carmen Agra Deedy, Randall Wright, illustrated by Barry Moser
"Readers with great expectations will find them fully satisfied by this tongue-in-cheek romp through a historic public House that is the very opposite of Bleak. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)"
"He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms." And for all his harsh early life and unnatural dietary preferences, ragged London alley cat Skilley gets to look at a queen, too. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEART AND SOUL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Star HEART AND SOUL: THE STORY OF AMERICA AND AFRICAN AMERICANS
by Kadir Nelson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
"This intimate narrative makes the stories accessible to young readers and powerfully conveys how personal this history feels for many African-Americans. (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
In an undertaking even more ambitious than the multiple-award-winning We Are the Ship (2008), Nelson tells the story of African-Americans and their often central place in American history. Read full book review >