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

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Cover art for OCEAN SUNLIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
Kirkus Star OCEAN SUNLIGHT: HOW TINY PLANTS FEED THE SEAS
by Molly Bang, illustrated by Molly Bang, by Penny Chisholm
"Readers will want to visit more than once to capture both the science and the abundant sense of celebration here. (Informational picture book. 5-11)"
An awe-inspiring lesson in photosynthesis goes under the sea. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE AMAZING HARRY KELLAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE AMAZING HARRY KELLAR: GREAT AMERICAN MAGICIAN
by Gail Jarrow
"Dozens of spectacular Kellar posters along with a dramatic book design nicely support this well-constructed look at a consummate showman. (timeline, bibliography, annotated sources) (Biography. 10-14)"
A first-rate visual presentation accompanies a fascinating biography of the first dean of the Society of American Magicians, a man Houdini regarded as a mentor. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MIGHTY MARS ROVERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 18, 2012
Kirkus Star THE MIGHTY MARS ROVERS: THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF SPIRIT AND OPPORTUNITY
by Elizabeth Rusch
"How extraordinary to visit Mars in Spirit; readers will be very glad of the Opportunity. (sources, chapter notes, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
What's it like to explore Mars? Did life ever exist on Earth's red neighbor? To find out, readers need only soar along with this enthralling account of the adventures of two rovers designed to seek evidence on Mars of water that could have once supported life. Read full book review >
Cover art for ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 19, 2012
Kirkus Star ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS: THE STORY BEHIND AN AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP
by Russell Freedman
"A marvel of history writing that makes complicated history clear and interesting. (selected bibliography, notes, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 9-14) "
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass met only three times, but their friendship changed a nation. Read full book review >
Cover art for DISCOVERING BLACK AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DISCOVERING BLACK AMERICA: FROM THE AGE OF EXPLORATION TO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
by Linda Tarrant-Reid
"From attractive page design to an afterword that encourages readers to search for their own history, there has been much attention to detail in this handsome volume. (notes, bibliography, art credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
This handsome, engaging study of African-American history brings to light many intriguing and tragically underreported stories. Read full book review >
Cover art for MONSIEUR MARCEAU
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
Kirkus Star MONSIEUR MARCEAU: ACTOR WITHOUT WORDS
by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Gérard DuBois
"An exceptional life; a stunning achievement. (afterword, source notes, further reading) (Picture book biography. 4-10) "
Audiences thrilled to his mesmerizing performances, in which he spoke through his expressive body without uttering a single word. Read full book review >