Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Books for Teens: October 2012


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Cover art for PINNED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012

"An uplifting story that convincingly celebrates the power of perseverance. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Two unlikely teens find a connection despite the reluctance of one and the vastly different life obstacles they confront. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GIANT AND HOW HE HUMBUGGED AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012

"After reading this fascinating story, young people will appreciate the old expression, spawned by this very hoax, "There's a sucker born every minute." (research notes, source notes, bibliography, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
When a stone giant is found on a farm in upstate New York, William Newell sees the chance to get rich quickly. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY NAME IS PARVANA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012

"Readers will learn much about the war in Afghanistan even as they cheer on this feisty protagonist. (author's note) (Fiction. 11 & up)"
In a follow-up that turns the Breadwinner Trilogy into a quartet, 15-year-old Parvana is imprisoned and interrogated as a suspected terrorist in Afghanistan. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIVE THROUGH THIS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012

"Required reading for anyone who's ever wondered "why didn't they just tell someone?" (resources [not seen]) (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Dance-team prestige, loyal friends, affluent Seattle family--Coley, 15, seems to have it all, but her sunny persona hides a private, nighttime dread. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH FAIRYLAND AND LED THE REVELS THERE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Catherynne M. Valente, illustrated by Ana Juan

"Heartless September sprouts a heart during this remarkable, awesome journey. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
In this sequel to The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (2011), heroine September embarks on another quest, this time to Fairyland-Below, where her shadow rules as queen. Read full book review >
Cover art for PASSENGER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012

"Brilliant and remarkably unsettling. (Horror/fantasy. 16 & up)"
The menacing, post-apocalyptic world of Marbury is again richly imagined in this stunning sequel to The Marbury Lens (2010). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ASSASSIN'S CURSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012

"A ripsnorting series opener; may the sequels arrive soon. (Fantasy. 13 & up)"
A kick-ass pirate heroine gets into and out of (mostly into) trouble in this invigorating fantasy. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WARRIOR'S HEART
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012

"An uncommon (to say the least) coming-of-age, retraced with well-deserved pride but not self-aggrandizement, and as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. (endnotes, bibliography [not seen]) (Memoir. 14-18)"
Selecting high and low points from his experiences as a child, college student, teacher, refugee-camp worker, amateur boxer, Rhodes scholar, Navy SEAL and worker with disabled vets, Greitens both charts his philosophical evolution and challenges young readers to think about "a better way to walk in the world." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FITZOSBORNES AT WAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012

"Absorbing, compelling and unforgettable. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
War has been declared, and the young, royal, exiled FitzOsbornes are immediately in the thick of things as Cooper's Montmaray Journals trilogy comes to its conclusion. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012

"Kudos to Clayton for crafting a powerful, moving debut. (Fiction. 13 & up)"
When 16-year-old Cassidy "Sid" Murphy decides to join her two best friends on a class ski trip, she has no idea that the trip will change her life forever. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALL YOU NEVER WANTED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012

"A sumptuously written examination of sibling rivalry and socioeconomic class. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Two sisters painfully discover that money can't buy happiness in this provocative family drama. Read full book review >
Cover art for THIS IS NOT FORGIVENESS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012

"Though the portrayal of Rob's deteriorating mental state is raw and often uncomfortable, in the end, the honest, uncensored storytelling makes this a tale that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
A dark and dangerous thrill ride pushes teen readers to the brink of their comfort zones when it comes to issues of love, lust, politics, family and war. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAVE A NICE DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012

"Aside from the too-anxious-to-eat valorization, fresh as a daisy and sharp as a tack. (Fiction. 12-17)"
Biting wit makes this quest for suburban normalcy in the face of depression and anxiety both laugh-out-loud funny and immensely intelligent. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BRONTË SISTERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012

"A solid and captivating look at these remarkable pioneers of modern fiction. (notes and a comprehensive bibliography) (Biography. 12-16)"
The wild freedom of the imagination and the heart, and the tragedy of lives ended just as success is within view--such a powerful story is that of the Brontë children. Read full book review >
Cover art for ASK THE PASSENGERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012

"Quite possibly the best teen novel featuring a girl questioning her sexuality written in years. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Big-town girl stuck in a small-town world full of lies falls for another girl. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CRIMSON CROWN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012

"Simply brilliant. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Torture and treasure, treason and trust, and the triumph of true love: All come to fruition in the stirring conclusion to this epic fantasy series. Read full book review >