Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Biography & History, Graphic Style


Cover art for LILY RENÉE, ESCAPE ARTIST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
by Trina Robbins, illustrated by Anne Timmons, Mo Oh

"A fitting tribute. (Graphic biography. 8-14)"
This comic-book biography of a Jewish girl's life under the Nazi jackboot and then as a refugee is low key and that much more profound for it. Read full book review >
Cover art for AROUND THE WORLD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
by Matt Phelan, illustrated by Matt Phelan

"Three true tales of adventure as grand and admirable in the telling as they were in the doing. (Graphic nonfiction. 10-13)"
With uncommon perception and a flair for visual drama, Phelan tracks three intrepid souls' solo journeys around the world. Read full book review >
Cover art for CONQUERING EVEREST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 16, 2011
by Lewis Helfand, illustrated by Amit Tayal

"A vivid double character portrait, enhanced by equally sharp glimpses of climbing techniques, strategies and hazards. (Graphic nonfiction. 11-13)"
The exploits of two young men mad for climbing mountains are retold in graphic panels. Read full book review >
Cover art for AMELIA EARHART
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 2, 2010
by Sarah Stewart Taylor, illustrated by Ben Towle

"Like Earhart herself, this book ought to soar exuberantly into the hearts of its readers. (Graphic historical fiction. 9-12)"
The Center of Cartoon Studies, producer of the critically lauded graphic biographies of Harry Houdini, Satchel Paige and Henry David Thoreau, adheres to the same winning formula with this charmer about famed aviator Amelia Earhart. Read full book review >
Cover art for GETTYSBURG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2009
by C.M. Butzer, illustrated by C.M. Butzer

"Undoubtedly smarter and more astute than many of its graphic-nonfiction counterparts, this book should speak to those seeking a visual account. (map, author's notes; footnotes, bibliography, not seen) (Graphic nonfiction. 9-12)"
This sophisticated contender in the graphic nonfiction market opens with "The Story So Far," setting the stage for the events that led to the bloody Civil War battle at Gettysburg. Read full book review >
Cover art for THOREAU AT WALDEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 22, 2008
by John Porcellino, illustrated by John Porcellino

"This graphic portrait will enrich the insight into his life and character afforded by Johnson's fictionalized episodes, or Robert Burleigh's Man Named Thoreau (1985). (bibliography) (Graphic nonfiction. 10-14)"
Pairing terse extracts from Thoreau's writings with very simple line drawings in squared-off panels, Porcellino artfully presents a compelling sense of the philosopher's voice, his powers of observation and his sensitivity to the world around him. Read full book review >