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Best Children's Books of 2012: Reaching Back into Time (page 4)

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 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 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 THE WILD BOOK
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 20, 2012
Kirkus Star THE WILD BOOK
by Margarita Engle
"A beautiful tale of perseverance. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
A young girl tackles a learning disability and the uncertainty of daily life in early-20th-century Cuba. Read full book review >
Cover art for GEORGIA IN HAWAII
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 27, 2012
GEORGIA IN HAWAII: WHEN GEORGIA O'KEEFFE PAINTED WHAT SHE PLEASED
by Amy Novesky, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
"Accessible, unfussy and visually charming. (author's and illustrator's notes; sources) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
An appealing and slightly humorous portrayal of O'Keeffe's artistic vision and determination, along with a peek at the Hawaii of over half a century ago. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CASE OF THE DEADLY DESPERADOS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 16, 2012
Kirkus Star THE CASE OF THE DEADLY DESPERADOS
by Caroline Lawrence
"A rich vein of wisdom runs through this highly entertaining, swashbuckling series debut. (1862 map of Virginia City, glossary) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
Twelve-year-old P.K. "Pinky" Pinkerton was born with a poker face--he can't show or read emotion--but it's not until he lands in Nevada Territory's silver-mining country that he comes to terms with the hand he's dealt. Read full book review >