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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Above and Beyond: Astronomy Books

Cover art for A BLACK HOLE IS NOT A HOLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star A BLACK HOLE IS NOT A HOLE
by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano, illustrated by Michael Carroll
"Hole-y astronomy! (timeline, glossary, author's note, bibliography, image credits, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
Oh, my stars! As the cover proclaims, a black hole may not be an actual hole, but readers will be glad they fell into this book. Read full book review >
Cover art for INSIDE STARS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
INSIDE STARS
by Andra Serlin Abramson, Mordecai-Mark Mac Low
"A steady look into the high frontier, well above average in both content and design. (Nonfiction. 10-13)"
This slender survey of the observable universe spreads itself a little thin but features plenty of foldouts and dramatic sky art. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT PLANET EARTH?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2009
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT PLANET EARTH?
by Robert E. Wells, illustrated by Robert E. Wells
"A good beginning look at the special features that make Earth our home. (Informational picture book. 5-9)"
Wells explores the characteristics that make Earth capable of sustaining life. Read full book review >
Cover art for MISSION TO THE MOON
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 5, 2009
MISSION TO THE MOON
by Alan Dyer
"For children growing up in a world where many rockets quietly launch to little fanfare or acclaim, this work recaptures the magic and determination of early space exploration. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
Attractively packaged by the same publisher of the INsiders series, this oversized volume is one of the many moon books coming out in anticipation of the Apollo 11 anniversary. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU ARE THE FIRST KID ON MARS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2009
YOU ARE THE FIRST KID ON MARS
by Patrick O’Brien, illustrated by Patrick O’Brien

Pairing a present-tense text to photorealistic digital paintings, O'Brien invites readers to take an entirely credible journey to Mars. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOONSHOT
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 7, 2009
Kirkus Star MOONSHOT: THE FLIGHT OF APOLLO 11
by Brian Floca, illustrated by Brian Floca
"Breathtaking, thrilling and perfect. (Informational picture book. 7-12)"
A dizzying, masterful command of visual pacing combines with an acute sense of verbal rhythms to provide a glorious account of the Apollo 11 mission, one that stands as the must-buy in this crowded lunar season. Read full book review >