Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2012 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winners & Honor Books


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Cover art for CODE NAME VERITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 15, 2012

"A carefully researched, precisely written tour de force; unforgettable and wrenching. (Historical fiction. 14 & up)"
Breaking away from Arthurian legends (The Winter Prince, 1993, etc.), Wein delivers a heartbreaking tale of friendship during World War II. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHUCK CLOSE: FACE BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"Art lovers of all ages will revel in this vivid, wonderfully affecting book, which is almost as ingenious and memorable as Close himself. (timeline, glossary, list of resources and illustration credits) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
A magnificent interactive "face book" portrait of the artist. Read full book review >
Cover art for GEORGIA IN HAWAII
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 27, 2012
by Amy Novesky, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

"Accessible, unfussy and visually charming. (author's and illustrator's notes; sources) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
An appealing and slightly humorous portrayal of O'Keeffe's artistic vision and determination, along with a peek at the Hawaii of over half a century ago. Read full book review >
Cover art for AND THEN IT'S SPRING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 14, 2012
by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

"This sweet seedling will undoubtedly take root and thrive. (Picture book. 3-8)"
A boy plants seeds in late winter's brown, barren earth and vigilantly watches for green sprouts alongside his companions (a dog, turtle, rabbit and bird). Read full book review >
Cover art for NO CRYSTAL STAIR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012

"A stirring and thought-provoking account of an unsung figure in 20th-century American history. (author's notes, source notes, bibliography, index) (Fictional biography. 12-18)"
Lewis Michaux provided a venue for his fellow African-Americans to have access to their own history and philosophy at a time when the very idea was revolutionary. Read full book review >
Cover art for EXTRA YARN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

"A quiet story of sharing with no strings attached. (Picture book. 4-7)"
A little girl in a town of white snow and soot-blackened chimneys opens a small box and discovers a never-ending gift of colorful yarn. Read full book review >
Cover art for AND THE SOLDIERS SANG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 15, 2011
by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Gary Kelley

"Grim, upsetting and utterly beautiful, this is both a strong anti-war statement and a fascinating glimpse of a little-known historical event. (Picture book. 8 & up)"
Definitely for older children (and most likely to be appreciated by adults), this version of the true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 is told through the eyes of a fictional young Welshman, with a terse yet lyrical text and stark, dramatic illustrations. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIFE: AN EXPLODED DIAGRAM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"Sophisticated teens and adults will appreciate this subtle yet powerful exposition of the far-reaching implications of war. (Fiction. 14 & up) "
A coming-of-age story framed by some of the most terrifying events of the last 60 years, from World War II to 9/11. Read full book review >