cover image
LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Best-seller Jeannette Walls talks about mining her own history for her new novel, The Silver Star.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Best Children's Books of 2012: Fiction About Boys

Cover art for SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
Kirkus Star SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
by Laura Amy Schlitz
"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 THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JOHN SMITH, JR., AKA HOUDINI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
Kirkus Star THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JOHN SMITH, JR., AKA HOUDINI
by Peter Johnson
"In the end, Houdini realizes that writing has changed him and altered his perspective on people and life. Readers will feel the same way. And just try to get kids not to make their own lists or attempt their own novels. (Fiction. 9-12)"
A middle-schooler writes a kids' novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read--and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical. Read full book review >
Cover art for SHADOW ON THE MOUNTAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star SHADOW ON THE MOUNTAIN
by Margi Preus
"A morally satisfying page turner. (author's note, archival photographs, maps, timeline, selected bibliography) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
A teenage boy becomes a spy in Nazi-occupied Norway. 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 INTO THE WOODS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star INTO THE WOODS
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 COLD CEREAL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 7, 2012
Kirkus Star COLD CEREAL
by Adam Rex
"A massive explosion at the end only sets that evil scheme back a bit; stay tuned for further strange and exhilarating developments. (Fantasy. 11-13)"
A motley assortment of human experimental subjects and faerie exiles take on a New Jersey cereal company run by eldritch management for nefarious purposes. Read full book review >