cover image
LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Check out our interview with Rick Yancey, author of the wildly entertaining YA thriller The 5th Wave.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Best Children's Books of 2012: Books for Adventurous Souls

Cover art for THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES
by Brian Farrey, illustrated by Brett Helquist
"Bangers! (Fantasy. 8-12)"
There couldn't be a more likable family of thieves. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DOGS OF WINTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE DOGS OF WINTER
by Bobbie Pyron
"Terrifying, life-affirming and memorable. (author's note, bibliography) (Adventure. 10-14)"
An orphaned boy in Russia survives as a member of a pack of dogs. Read full book review >
Cover art for IN A GLASS GRIMMLY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2012
Kirkus Star IN A GLASS GRIMMLY
by Adam Gidwitz
"Not so much a set of retellings as a creative romp through traditional and tradition-based story-scapes, compulsively readable and just as read-out-loudable. (source note) (Fantasy. 11-14)"
The author of A Tale Dark and Grimm (2010) starts over--sending young Jack and Jill on a fresh quest for self-knowledge through trials and incidents drawn (stolen, according to the author) from a diverse array of European folk and fairy tales. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SPINDLERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Star THE SPINDLERS
by Lauren Oliver, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
"Richly detailed, at times poetic, ultimately moving; a book to be puzzled over, enjoyed and, ideally, read aloud. (Final illustrations not seen.) (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Liza must venture Below to rescue her little brother's soul, stolen by evil, power-hungry spider people called spindlers, in this refreshingly creepy, intricately woven tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
Kirkus Star THE IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE: THE TRUE STORY OF AN AMAZING ARCTIC ADVENTURE
by Martin W. Sandler
"Outstanding nonfiction writing that makes history come alive. (source notes, bibliography, photography credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up) "
Sandler brings to life an extraordinary true adventure tale set on the treacherous Arctic terrain. Read full book review >
Cover art for LEGENDS OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
Kirkus Star LEGENDS OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL
by Ben Hatke, illustrated by Ben Hatke
"Imaginative and utterly bewitching. (Graphic science fiction. 9-12)"
Lovable Zita returns in a charmingly dashing interplanetary adventure to save yet another doomed planet from impending peril. Read full book review >