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

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 SEVEN TALES OF TRINKET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
Kirkus Star THE SEVEN TALES OF TRINKET
by Shelley Moore Thomas
"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
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 >
Cover art for LULU AND THE DUCK IN THE PARK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star LULU AND THE DUCK IN THE PARK
by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
"Utterly winning. (Fiction. 7-9)"
A warmhearted beginning to a new chapter-book series delights from the first few sentences. 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 THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO
by Sonia Manzano
"A stunning debut. (author's note, recommended reading) (Historical novel. 12 & up)"
Set in 1969, Manzano's first novel offers a realistically mercurial protagonist struggling with her identity in Spanish Harlem. Read full book review >