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 ALL THE WAY TO AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
by Dan Yaccarino, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

"A gloriously warm celebration. (Picture book. 5-9)"
With clarity and deep affection, Yaccarino turns his family history into a story of enduring charm. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SUNDOWN RULE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011

"Unfolding with the implacable clarity of the natural world Louise reveres, the novel proves that a quiet story can be as gripping as the busiest action-packed narrative—and with more staying power. (Fiction. 8-12)"
This spare, lovely novel concerns that moment in childhood, at once universal and utterly lonely, when one is forced to recognize that all life is mortal. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SECRET BOX
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Barbara Lehman, illustrated by Barbara Lehman

"Wonderful! (Picture book. 4-8)"
Once again, Caldecott Honoree Lehman (The Red Book, 2004) presents surprising visuals that playfully and mysteriously connect children across space and time. Read full book review >
Cover art for TEN BIRDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Cybèle Young, illustrated by Cybèle Young

"Appealing, unique and not to be missed. (Picture book. 5-10)"
Ten small birds have a serious problem. Read full book review >
Cover art for INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 22, 2011

"In her not-to-be-missed debut, Lai evokes a distinct time and place and presents a complex, realistic heroine whom readers will recognize, even if they haven't found themselves in a strange new country. (Historical fiction/verse. 9-12)"
An enlightening, poignant and unexpectedly funny novel in verse is rooted in the author's childhood experiences. Read full book review >
Cover art for AMELIA LOST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 8, 2011
by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Jessica Hische

"A stunning look at an equally stunning lady. (bibliography, Internet resources, source notes, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
The most intriguing part of Amelia Earhart's life is often thought to be the way it ended. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FLOATING ISLANDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 8, 2011

Intelligent, richly detailed fantasy featuring two young cousins battered by losses, personal passions and larger events. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHERE'S WALRUS?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
by Stephen Savage, illustrated by Stephen Savage

"Refreshing, captivating, elegant and witty. (Picture book. 3-7)"
It's another slow day at the zoo—not. Read full book review >
Cover art for CAN WE SAVE THE TIGER?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Vicky White

"This is a treasure for teachers and animal lovers alike. (Informational picture book. 5-9)"
From big, beautiful tigers to the lowly partula snail, the stunning illustrations in this album of endangered species accompany a familiar message: Human actions change the world in ways that affect many other species. Read full book review >
Cover art for ZITA THE SPACEGIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
by Ben Hatke, illustrated by Ben Hatke

"Be prepared to blast off; this debut is truly out of this world. (Graphic science fiction. 9-12)"
A headstrong young girl makes a hasty decision and finds herself in a galaxy far, far away in this graphic-novel shining star. Read full book review >
Cover art for UNDERGROUND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 18, 2011
by Shane W. Evans, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

"Lengthier accounts of travel on the Underground Railroad abound, but few if any portray the experience with such compelling immediacy. (afterword) (Picture book. 5-9)"
Powerfully expressive imagery will sweep young viewers into this suspenseful journey along the Underground Railroad. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOW RABBIT, SPRING RABBIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011
by Il Sung Na, illustrated by Il Sung Na

"Quiet winter wonders. (Picture book. 1-5)"
Falling snow and bare branches herald winter to everyone, including a rabbit who watches geese flying south, bears hibernating, turtles paddling to warm waters, sheep huddling, squirrels stacking acorns, deer foraging, frogs submerging and mice tunneling. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOUNG FREDLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011
by Cynthia Voigt, illustrated by Louise Yates

"Expressive black-and-white spot art heightens the drama. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)"
Unexpectedly cast into alien territory, an inquisitive mouse discovers the world's an amazing place in this classic home-away-home tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for CAMO GIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 4, 2011

"John Steptoe Award–winning debut, The Rock and the River (2009). (Fiction. 8-14)"
Ella and Zachary, sixth-grade misfits, cling to each other to get through the taunts, rejection and, sometimes, abuse from their classmates. Read full book review >
Cover art for ROOTS AND BLUES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 3, 2011
by Arnold Adoff, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

"An incandescent, important work. (Poetry. 8 & up)"
Adoff creates a moving meditation on the roots of American blues. Read full book review >
Cover art for SMALL PERSONS WITH WINGS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2011

"Frequently hysterical dialogue, a hugely sympathetic protagonist and a baroque concatenation of magics and counter-magics will keep readers glued to this smart, earthy and thoughtful tale. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Whatever you do, don't call them fairies. Read full book review >