Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




BEA 2012: Books for Middle Graders (page 4)


Cover art for SPACE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Mike Goldsmith, illustrated by Sebastian Quigley

"A one-trick pony, grounded by uneven production values and low octane content. (index) (Novelty nonfiction. 9-12)"
Aside from a design gimmick, there's not much worth notice in this routine, scattershot history of space flight. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TEMPLETON TWINS HAVE AN IDEA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Ellis Weiner, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes

"Templeton Twins hidden in integrand function (5, 3). Read it to solve it! (Fiction. 9-13)"
The scene-hogging narrator steals the show in this clever series opener. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BOXCAR CHILDREN BEGINNING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
illustrated by Tim Jessell, by Patricia MacLachlan

"An approachable lead-in that serves to fill in the background both for confirmed fans and readers new to the series. (finished illustrations, afterword and resource list not seen) (Historical fiction. 8-10)"
This prelude slips neatly into the classic series with a rural idyll that comes to a sudden, tragic end. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ADVENTURES OF ACHILLES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"Epic in deed and scope and a-bustle with larger-than-life characters, this retelling of the Iliad will rivet both readers and listening audiences. (bibliography) (Folktale/mythology. 11-14)"
Two veteran storytellers give one of mythology's greatest warriors his due in a narrative rich in drama, tragedy, intense emotion and heroic feats of arms. Read full book review >
Cover art for BINKY TAKES CHARGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Ashley Spires, illustrated by Ashley Spires

"A purrrfect mix of slapstick, deadpan and catpan. (Graphic novel. 8-12)"
Space cat Lt. Binky has been tapped for a new assignment: recruit trainer! Read full book review >
Cover art for FROZEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"A good effort, but not compelling enough to capture many teen readers. (Historical fiction. 13 & up)"
Sixteen-year-old Sadie Rose, mute since her mother's murder 11 years ago, finds her voice again. Read full book review >