Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Teens: Realism in the Here and Now (page 3)


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Cover art for STAY WITH ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 8, 2011

" An outstanding love story peopled by a wealth of memorable characters. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Their relationship is doomed from the start. Read full book review >
Cover art for UNDER THE MESQUITE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"A promising, deeply felt debut. (Spanish glossary) (Verse fiction. 12 & up)"
A resilient Mexican-American girl copes with familial obligation and loss in this free-verse novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for BUNHEADS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"A multi-layered and absorbing good read by a promising debut novelist. (Fiction. 13 & up)"
Hannah has always dreamed of becoming a ballerina and living "the most amazing, wonderful, and crazy life." Read full book review >
Cover art for VIRTUOSITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 18, 2011

"Former child violin prodigy Martinez brings this overwrought world to tense, quivering life and guides readers through it confidently. A brilliant debut. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Grammy-winning, world-touring violinist Carmen Bianchi, 17, has outgrown child-prodigy status. To transition to an adult career as a virtuoso soloist, she must win the Guarneri Competition. If she loses, she'll be just another former prodigy. Read full book review >
Cover art for FINDING SOMEWHERE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2011

"Horse story, road trip, coming-of-age tale: It's any and all of these, but mostly a tender and authentic voyage into the mind of a wise, funny and wholly likable protagonist. (Fiction. 11 & up)"
Two teenage girls and a noble, aged horse on a road trip. What could beat that? Read full book review >
Cover art for WINTER TOWN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2011
by Stephen Emond, illustrated by Stephen Emond

"Compelling, honest and true--this musing about art and self-discovery, replete with pitch-perfect dialogue, will have wide appeal. (Fiction. 13 & up)"
Two childhood friends struggle to preserve their relationship as it evolves into a romance amid a host of pressures in this remarkable illustrated work of contemporary fiction. Read full book review >