Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Fantasy & Science Fiction (page 2)


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Cover art for SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012

"Schlitz's prose is perfect in every stitch, and readers will savor each word. (Historical fantasy. 9-13)"
Two orphans, a witch and a girl who laughs at death: Each shares the lens of protagonist in Newbery winner Schlitz's fully satisfying gothic novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for INTO THE WOODS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by J. Torres, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

"Be prepared for young Sasquatch fans roaring for more. (Graphic fantasy. 6-11)"
Mom said there was magic in the woods…she probably didn't mean anything like this. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SEVEN TALES OF TRINKET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012

"Though it's filled with incident, emotion, magic and adventure, what stands out most is Trinket's clear voice and loving heart, both of which will endear her to readers. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Like her main character, Trinket, Thomas clearly loves storytelling, and she has a real talent for it, too. Read full book review >
Cover art for LEGENDS OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
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 >
Cover art for THE SPINDLERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
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 IN A GLASS GRIMMLY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2012

"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 >