cover image
LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Check out our interview with Rick Yancey, author of the wildly entertaining YA thriller The 5th Wave.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Memorable First Fantasies for Children (page 2)

Cover art for HANNAH’S WINTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2009
Kirkus Star HANNAH’S WINTER
by Kierin Meehan
"A fine fantasy debut (first published in Australia in 2001). (author's note) (Fantasy. 10 & up)"
Twelve-year-old Australian Hannah has been sent to spend the winter with Japanese family friends in Kanazawa so she can improve her ability to speak the language. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE UNNAMEABLES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
Kirkus Star THE UNNAMEABLES
by Ellen Booraem
"A sort of combination of witch-trial–era Salem and The Giver, this book offers a treat with nearly every page turn. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
On Island, "thou art thy name." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE REMARKABLE & VERY TRUE STORY OF LUCY & SNOWCAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008
Kirkus Star THE REMARKABLE & VERY TRUE STORY OF LUCY & SNOWCAP
by H.M. Bouwman
"Beautifully written, fully realized, fast-paced—this blurs the line between fantasy and history and has winner written all over it. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
An original, remarkable and very true debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MAGIC THIEF
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2008
Kirkus Star THE MAGIC THIEF: BOOK ONE
by Sarah Prineas, illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo
"All in all a sturdy start, illustrated with Caparo's realistic portraits at the chapter heads and reminiscent of Angie Sage's Septimus Heap tales (Queste, 2008, etc.) in style and setting. (map; glossary, runes and biscuit recipe not seen) (Fantasy. 10-13)"
An uncommonly engaging young narrator kicks this debut fantasy ahead of the general run. Read full book review >
Cover art for NURK
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2008
NURK: THE STRANGE, SURPRISING ADVENTURES OF A (SOMEWHAT) BRAVE SHREW
by Ursula Vernon
"Nurk's adventure, and the tone in which it's related, will remind readers of Stuart Little's quest. (Fantasy. 10-12)"
A reclusive young shrew develops a taste for adventure in this short, witty debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAVVY
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2008
Kirkus Star SAVVY
by Ingrid Law
"A film is already in development, and if it lives up to this marvel-laden debut, it'll be well worth seeing. (Fantasy. 10-13)"
Mibs can't wait for her 13th birthday, when her special gift, or "savvy," will awaken. Read full book review >