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Best Children's Books of 2012: Nonfiction (page 4)

Cover art for SPIRIT SEEKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
Kirkus Star SPIRIT SEEKER: JOHN COLTRANE'S MUSICAL JOURNEY
by Gary Golio, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
"Lyrically narrated, resplendently illustrated, and deeply respectful of both subject and audience. (afterword, author's and artist's notes, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 8-12)"
In attuned counterpoint, Golio and Gutierrez present a portrait of John Coltrane's lifelong quest to discover and share his spiritual truth through music. 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 I HAVE A DREAM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
Kirkus Star I HAVE A DREAM
illustrated by Kadir Nelson, by Martin Luther King
"A title for remembrance and for re-dedication to the dream, published in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. (Informational picture book. 5 & up)"
An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20th-century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings. Read full book review >
Cover art for WE'VE GOT A JOB
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star WE'VE GOT A JOB: THE 1963 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S MARCH
by Cynthia Y. Levinson
"A moving record of young people rising at a pivotal historical moment, based on original interviews and archival research as well as published sources. (photos, timeline, endnotes, multimedia resource lists) (Nonfiction. 11-15)"
Triumph and tragedy in 1963 "Bombingham," as children and teens pick up the flagging civil rights movement and give it a swift kick in the pants. Read full book review >
Cover art for CASTLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Star CASTLE: HOW IT WORKS
by David Macaulay, Sheila Keenan, illustrated by David Macaulay
"And will a young scholar read it again and look for more? You bet--it's great fuel for the imagination. (Nonfiction early reader. 4-8)"
Hooray for the launch of a new nonfiction series for newly fledged readers! Read full book review >
Cover art for LITTLE WHITE DUCK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star LITTLE WHITE DUCK: A CHILDHOOD IN CHINA
by Andrés Vera Martínez, Na Liu, illustrated by Andrés Vera Martínez
"Beautifully drawn and quietly evocative. (glossary, timeline, author biography, translations of Chinese characters, maps) (Graphic memoir. 9-12)"
A striking glimpse into Chinese girlhood during the 1970s and '80s.Beginning with a breathtaking dream of riding a golden crane over the city of Wuhan, China, Liu Na, recounts her subsequent waking only to discover that Chairman Mao has passed away. Read full book review >