Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Children's Books for Black History Month (page 2)


Cover art for BAD NEWS FOR OUTLAWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2009

"Here, children can saddle up with a genuine Western hero in a narrative that hits the bull's-eye. (glossary, timeline, bibliography, notes) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)"
He rode tall in the saddle and excelled at riding, shooting, tracking and every other skill required of a man representing the law in the vast and often lawless American frontier known as Indian Territory in the late 1800s. Read full book review >
Cover art for SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2009
by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

"The illustrator is at his best in the wordless full-bleed doublespreads interspersed throughout the book, which set a contemplative pace that invites flipping back and forth through the pages documenting the Sweethearts' travels, triumphs and travails. (Picture book/poetry. 10-14)"
Nelson brings her signature poetic treatment of history to this outstanding collaboration with illustrator Pinkney about a racially integrated "all-girl swing band" that toured the United States during World War II. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY PEOPLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 6, 2009

"All together, they are the perfect accompaniment to the classic poem and create a complex work of art that any age can relish. (photographer's note) (Picture book. 2-10)"
Hughes first published "My People" in 1923. Read full book review >
Cover art for BECOMING BILLIE HOLIDAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008

"A remarkable tribute well worthy of its subject. (afterword, bibliography, references, further reading and listening) (Poetry. 14 & up)"
"I toted my songs / like a satchel and felt most / at home when I sang," says Billie Holiday in this gorgeously produced fictional "life in poems" of the great jazz singer. Read full book review >
Cover art for WE ARE THE SHIP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 8, 2008
by Kadir Nelson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

"Along with being absolutely riveted by the art, readers will come away with a good picture of the Negro Leaguers' distinctive style of play, as well as an idea of how their excellence challenged the racial attitudes of both their sport and their times. (bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-13)"
Nelson continues to top himself with each new book. Read full book review >
Cover art for LET IT SHINE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 9, 2007
by Ashley Bryan, illustrated by Ashley Bryan

"Incorporated into these final spreads with the music are concluding illustrations for every song, each focusing on a shining source of light. (Nonfiction. 3-8)"
An extra-large trim size, a vibrant palette and Bryan's glorious cut-paper collage illustrations add up to a marvelous interpretation of three traditional African-American spirituals: "This Little Light of Mine," "Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Read full book review >