Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




BEA 2012: Books for Teens


Showing

Cover art for ASHFALL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"In this chilling debut, Mullin seamlessly weaves meticulous details about science, geography, agriculture and slaughter into his prose, creating a fully immersive and internally consistent world scarily close to reality. (author's note) (Speculative fiction. 14 & up)"
"The pre-Friday world of school, cell phones, and refrigerators dissolved into this post-Friday world of ash, darkness, and hunger." Read full book review >
Cover art for STREET DREAMS
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 13, 2012

"No simple coming-out story, this many-layered effort is gritty, warm and ultimately hopeful. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Compassionate, thoughtful and expressive, this New Zealand import traces a Maori teen's journey through friendships, family, work and the realization that he is gay. Read full book review >
Cover art for TORN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"A strong new voice. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
This engrossing story of a good girl's fascination with her wild new friend strikes chords that will resonate with many teens. Read full book review >
Cover art for KISS THE MORNING STAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"Not so much a coming out as a coming up, Anna's quiet, rich story will work its way into readers' hearts. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
"I want to file it in a folder labeled FAITH and close the drawer, no more questions. No more doubt." Read full book review >
Cover art for GODDESS INTERRUPTED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"A good bet for readers mostly interested in the romance. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Fasten your seatbelts, lower your expectations, then sit back and enjoy the modest pleasures of this mostly smooth sequel. Read full book review >
Cover art for BITTERBLUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012

"Devastating and heartbreaking, this will be a disappointment for readers looking for a conventional happy ending. But those willing to take the risk will--like Bitterblue--achieve something even more precious: a hopeful beginning. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
Building on the plots and themes of the award-winning Graceling (2008) and its companion Fire (2009), this rich and poignant fantasy grapples with the messy aftermath of destroying an evil overlord. Read full book review >