Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2012 Newbery Medal Winner & Honor Books


Cover art for BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2011
by Eugene Yelchin, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

"A story just as relevant in our world, "where innocent people face persecution and death for making a choice about what they believe to be right," as that of Yelchin's childhood. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
"There's no place for the likes of you in our class," Sasha Zaichik's teacher tells him, and that seems to be the motto of the whole Stalinist nation. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEAD END IN NORVELT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011

"Characteristically provocative gothic comedy, with sublime undertones. (Autobiographical fiction. 11-13)"
An exhilarating summer marked by death, gore and fire sparks deep thoughts in a small-town lad not uncoincidentally named "Jack Gantos." 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 >