Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




22 Top July Books for Teens


Cover art for A WORLD AWAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012

"Simply lovely. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
This sensitive debut grabs hearts right away and doesn't let go. Read full book review >
Cover art for SMALL DAMAGES
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 19, 2012

"Lovely and unusual--at once epic and intimate. (Fiction. 13 & up)"
A young woman is forced into unexpected territory when she is packed off to a vividly imagined, shimmering Spanish countryside in order to conceal an unexpected pregnancy. Read full book review >
Cover art for AMELIA ANNE IS DEAD AND GONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 5, 2012

"A perceptive, contrapuntal character study with a light thriller flavor--utterly compelling. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
The lives of two girls on the cusp of something bigger intertwine on a dusty road in a small, dead-end New England town. Read full book review >
Cover art for TEAM HUMAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012

"Laugh-out-loud funny, heart-wrenchingly sad and fist-pump-in-the-air triumphant, this sparkling gem proves that vampires, zombies and even teenagers…at heart, we're all on Team Human. (Fantasy. 12 & up.)"
Both lovers and loathers of teen vampire romance will revel in this hilarious satirical take on the genre. Read full book review >
Cover art for TIGER LILY
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012

"Working with the darker threads of Barrie's bittersweet classic, Anderson weaves an enchanting tale. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
It's no paradise--white-sand beaches and spectacular sunsets come with mud, mosquitoes and croc-infested swamps--but guided by fragile, insect-size faerie Tink, readers are drawn into this richly re-imagined Neverland anyway. Read full book review >
Cover art for SERAPHINA
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012

"Dragon books are common enough, but this one is head and talons above the rest. (cast of characters, glossary) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
In Hartman's splendid prose debut, humans and dragons--who can take human form but not human feeling--have lived in uneasy peace for 40 years. Read full book review >