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Best Children's Books of 2012: Reaching Back into Time (page 2)

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Cover art for HEROES OF THE SURF
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star HEROES OF THE SURF
by Elisa Carbone, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
"Riveting reading, well-timed for the centennial of the Titanic's sinking. (afterword) (Picture book. 4-8)"
Based on a true story of shipwreck and rescue, Carbone's tale is leavened with narration by Anthony, a venturesome lad whose penchant for playing pirates helps him through the harrowing event. Read full book review >
Cover art for IT JES' HAPPENED
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star IT JES' HAPPENED: WHEN BILL TRAYLOR STARTED TO DRAW
by Don Tate, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
"An important picture-book biography that lovingly introduces this "outsider" artist to a new generation. (source notes, afterword) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Tate and Christie capture the spirit behind the work of Bill Traylor, "one of the most important self-taught American folk artists of the twentieth century." 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 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 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 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 >