Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




The Edgar Nominees


Cover art for DUST CITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 25, 2010

"Weston deftly tucks his fairy-tale tropes into this thought-provoking mystery. (Fantasy/mystery. 11-13)"
In a noir caper with racial overtones, the Big Bad Wolf's son escapes from juvie and uncovers an ugly corporate plot to corner the fairy-dust market. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HAUNTING OF CHARLES DICKENS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
by Lewis Buzbee, illustrated by Greg Ruth

"The sights, sounds and stenches of 19th-century London are palpable even without the moody black-and-white illustrations. (note on "Children and Charles Dickens") (Historical fiction. 11 & up)"
Twelve-year-old Meg Pickel hasn't slept a single night in the six months since her 15-year-old brother Orion mysteriously disappeared. Read full book review >
Cover art for ZORA AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"Absolutely outstanding. (Historical fiction. 10-16)"
The childhood of African-American literary giant Zora Neale Hurston is brought to life with this fictionalized account. Read full book review >
Cover art for PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"The author depicts the journey to overcome a legacy of poverty, violence, addiction and ignorance as an arduous one, but Vera's path glimmers with grace and hope. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
A harrowing but ultimately redemptive tale of adolescent angst gone awry. Read full book review >
Cover art for ROGUE ISLAND
FICTION
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"Mulligan is the perfect guide to a town in which the only ways to get things done are to be connected to the right people or to grease the right palms."
The smallest state bursts with crime, corruption, wisecracks and neo-noir atmosphere in DeSilva's blistering debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE KILLER OF LITTLE SHEPHERDS
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 7, 2010

"An uneven but well-documented mix of forensic science, narrative nonfiction and criminal psychology."
Important developments in 19th-century forensics and criminal justice are interwoven with the killing spree of French serial killer Joseph Vasher. Read full book review >