Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best Books for Teens: Romance


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 CHIME
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 17, 2011

"Delicious. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
"I've confessed to everything and I'd like to be hanged. Now, if you please." Read full book review >
Cover art for TILT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 9, 2011

"The comedy and drama are both mild, but the two eminently likable teens at the center of it look capable of keeping heads and hearts in balance in a world subject to sudden tilts. (Fiction. 13-16)"
Almost despite himself, 16-year-old Stan emerges with flying colors from a week of sweet confusion, domestic turmoil and momentous tests of character. Read full book review >
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 WHY WE BROKE UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 27, 2011
by Daniel Handler, illustrated by Maira Kalman

"A poignant, exhilarating tale of a love affair gone to the dogs. (Romance. 14 & up)"
A toy truck, bottle caps, rose petals, a cookbook and a box full of other seemingly unobtrusive mementos are dumped on the doorstep of Ed Slaterton by his ex-girlfriend, Min. Their unlikely romance lasted just over a month. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SCORPIO RACES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 18, 2011

"Like nothing else out there now. (Fantasy. 13-18)"
The bestselling author of Shiver (2009) and Linger (2010) turns the legend of the water horse into a taut, chilling, romantic adventure. Read full book review >