Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Children's Books of 2012: Reaching Back into Time (page 3)


Cover art for DRUMMER BOY OF JOHN JOHN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Mark Greenwood, illustrated by Frané Lessac

"A joy to read. Play calypso music and celebrate! (author's note, glossary and pronunciation guide, author's sources) (Picture book/biography. 3-8)"
Winston, a boy in Trinidad, wishes that he could play in a band and win free rotis, the delicious island specialty prepared by the Roti King and presented to the best performers at Carnival. Read full book review >
Cover art for SHADOW ON THE MOUNTAIN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"A morally satisfying page turner. (author's note, archival photographs, maps, timeline, selected bibliography) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
A teenage boy becomes a spy in Nazi-occupied Norway. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"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 >
Cover art for DISCOVERING BLACK AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"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 SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012

"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 ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 19, 2012

"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 >