Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Illuminating Jim Crow (page 2)


Cover art for GUARDIAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2008

"Eminently moving and highly recommended, especially as an alternative to To Kill a Mockingbird for less able teen readers. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
This slim yet essential new tale of the Jim Crow South unfolds primarily through the eyes of Ansel Anderson, only son of the storekeeper in the small town of Davis. Read full book review >
Cover art for SATCHEL PAIGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2007
by James Sturm, illustrated by Rich Tommaso

"It also rightly presents Paige as hero, showman and symbol. (Graphic fiction. 11-15)"
A bleak tale of failed baseball dreams, smoldering pride and Jim Crow in action. Read full book review >
Cover art for TAKE-OFF
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 8, 2007

In the argot of the times, Bolden offers a fascinating study of the girl bands of the Swing era during WWII. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 19, 2004

"Freedman at his best. (Nonfiction. 9+)"
She had played the major cities in Europe, appeared before filled-to-capacity halls throughout the US, and been welcomed at the White House, but famous contralto Marian Anderson was turned down by Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The Daughters of the American Revolution, headquartered there, stood by their "white artists only" policy and wouldn't let her perform. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LAND
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2001

"They will root for him, as they have for his children and grandchildren, to overcome. (Fiction. 12 )"
"Some white men took care of their colored children; most didn't. My daddy was one who did." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE JOURNAL OF BIDDY OWENS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2001

"Rich historical context, fully realized characters, great baseball action, and trademark Myers humor combine to make this one a homerun. (Fiction. 9-14)"
Biddy Owens, 17, "equipment manager, scorekeeper, errand boy, and sometimes right fielder" for the Birmingham Black Barons, narrates in diary form the twilight time of the Negro Leagues. Read full book review >