Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Fiction About Boys (page 3)


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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 >
Cover art for THE DOGS OF WINTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012

"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 "WHO COULD THAT BE AT THIS HOUR?"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Seth

"Fans of the Series of Unfortunate Events will be in heaven picking out tidbit references to the tridecalogy, but readers who've yet to delve into that well of sadness will have no problem enjoying this weird and witty yarn. (Mystery. 8-12)"
Young Mr. Snicket seems to always ask the wrong questions. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
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 BELLY FLOP!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2012
by Stephen McCranie, illustrated by Stephen McCranie

"This emotional honesty alone is a reason to buy this book; the giraffe and Einstein are the icing on McCranie's cake. (Graphic fiction. 8-11)"
It's hard not to like a main character who brings a lab coat and briefcase to elementary school. Read full book review >