Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Children: The Complete List (page 2)


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Cover art for CITY OF ORPHANS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 6, 2011
by Avi, illustrated by Greg Ruth

"Heroic deeds, narrow escapes, dastardly villains, amazing coincidences and a family rich in love and hope are all part of an intricate and endlessly entertaining adventure. Terrific! (Historical fiction. 10-14) "
An immigrant family tries to survive crime, poverty and corruption in 1893 New York City. Read full book review >
Cover art for LOVE, MOUSERELLA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
by David Ezra Stein, illustrated by David Ezra Stein

"Sometimes snail mail is just better. Here's proof. (Picture book. 5-7)"
Bestrewing lined sheets with crayon drawings, Polaroids, smudges, a ketchup packet (not a real one) and other signs of affection, a mouseling writes a newsy love note to her Grandmouse. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRAWING FROM MEMORY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
by Allen Say, illustrated by Allen Say

"Aesthetically superb; this will fascinate comics readers and budding artists while creating new Say fans. (author's note) (Graphic memoir. 10 & up)"
Exquisite drawings, paintings, comics and photographs balance each other perfectly as they illustrate Say's childhood path to becoming an artist. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE UNFORGOTTEN COAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011

"A tricky, magical delight. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)"
Treading water in her last term of elementary school, Julie figures she's learned all there is to learn, when two Mongolian brothers in fur-lined coats (it's summer) arrive: Chingis and Nergui. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF JACK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 2, 2011

"An enticing read that is certain to keep both the hero and audience guessing at every carefully plotted reveal. (Fantasy. 9-12)"
A truly splendid amalgamation of mystery, magic and creeping horror will spellbind the middle-grade set. Read full book review >
Cover art for EDDIE'S WAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011

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In her first outing for children, Saller (The Subversive Copy Editor, 2009) provides a poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II. Read full book review >
Cover art for A FEW BLOCKS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
by Cybèle Young, illustrated by Cybèle Young

"Amazing. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Young's latest attempts to be many things--a foray into a child's imagination, a touching tale of siblings and a stage for the author's elaborate paper sculptures--and it succeeds masterfully in doing all three. Read full book review >
Cover art for NAAMAH AND THE ARK AT NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011

"This captivating interpretation creates a remarkable partner for Noah, who uses her special talent in a memorable way. (Picture book. 3-7)"
The animals march along two by two in most Noah's Ark stories, but Noah's partner is often missing altogether. In this unusual interpretation of one of the most popular Bible stories, it's Noah's wife who is the star as she sings the arkful of animals to sleep. Read full book review >
Cover art for ORANI
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 19, 2011
by Claire A. Nivola, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola

"Neither a story with a plot nor a full-blown memoir, this brief look at a town suspended in time resonates with happiness and could spark some children to reflect on their own idyllic summers in a new way. (map, author's note) (Picture book/memoir. 7-10)"
Intriguing pictures full of small details bring alive the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures of a small Sardinian town in the 1950s. Read full book review >
Cover art for RAH, RAH, RADISHES!
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 14, 2011

"A winning recipe blending crispy verse and fresh photography: Go team! (Picture book. 3-7)"
Let's hear it for the veggies! 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 COOKIEBOT!
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2011
by Katie Van Camp, illustrated by Lincoln Agnew

"Inventive, animated and irresistible. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Harry and Horsie return to battle a giant, cookie-eating robot in this winning tale that will satisfy sweet tooth and thrill-seeker alike. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLACKOUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011
by John Rocco, illustrated by John Rocco

"Not all young readers will have experienced a blackout, but this engaging snapshot could easily have them wishing for one. (Picture book. 5-8)"
"It started out as a normal summer night"--until the lights go out, citywide. Read full book review >
Cover art for SQUISH, SUPER AMOEBA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011

"If ever a new series deserved to go viral, this one does. (Graphic novel. 7-9)"
The hilarious misadventures of a hapless young everylad who happens to be an amoeba. Read full book review >
Cover art for HIDDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 10, 2011

"Both tender and insightful, this well-crafted, fast-paced tale should have wide teen appeal. (notes on form) (Poetry. 10-16)"
From the award-winning Frost comes a wildly imaginative, thought-provoking novel in verse that centers on the unlikely friendship that arises between two teenage girls as a result of an accidental kidnapping. Read full book review >
Cover art for DIEGO RIVERA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
by Duncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

"Both solid introduction and exhortation, this book will thrill budding artists. (glossary, author's note, bibliography, lists of museums and paintings) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

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A simple picture-book biography of Diego Rivera concentrates on his artistic career and encourages children to imagine themselves painting their own world. 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 WE ARE AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011

"Stunning. (Picture book/poetry. 8 & up)"
The Myers team shares their heartfelt and stirring vision of an America flawed but filled with promises and dreams. Read full book review >
Cover art for PIG KAHUNA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
by Jennifer Sattler, illustrated by Jennifer Sattler

"Together words and pictures create an utterly engaging picture-book experience—eye-catching, thought-provoking and just plain fun. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Surfer pigs rise above aphorisms. 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 >