Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New and Notable Children's Books for July


Cover art for ADDIE ON THE INSIDE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 26, 2011

"Readers will agree when, in the triumphant final poem, an assured Addie proclaims: "I am a girl who knows enough / to know this life is mine." (author's note) (Verse novel. 11-14)"
In this companion novel, Howe explores the interior life of the most outspoken member of the "Gang of Five" from The Misfits and Totally Joe (2001, 2005). Read full book review >
Cover art for ORANI
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 19, 2011
by Claire A. Nivola, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola

"Neither a story with a plot nor a full-blown memoir, this brief look at a town suspended in time resonates with happiness and could spark some children to reflect on their own idyllic summers in a new way. (map, author's note) (Picture book/memoir. 7-10)"
Intriguing pictures full of small details bring alive the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures of a small Sardinian town in the 1950s. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SUMMER I LEARNED TO FLY
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 12, 2011

"Quiet yet immensely appealing. (Fiction. 10-14)"
In the lazy days of summer in a California coastal town, Drew works at her mom's struggling cheese shop and indulges her crush on an older co-worker, until she discovers Emmett and becomes involved in his very different world. Read full book review >
Cover art for WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 12, 2011
by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra

"The book is perfect for read-alouds, with occasional, often onomatopoeic Spanish words such as "quiquiriquí," "tacatac" and "iii-aah" adding to the fun. (author's note, glossary of Spanish terms) (Picture book. 4-8)"
Inspired by Colombian librarian Luis Soriano Bohórquez, Brown's latest tells of a little girl whose wish comes true when a librarian and two book-laden burros visit her remote village. Read full book review >
Cover art for TEXAS GOTHIC
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 12, 2011

"This engaging mystery has plenty of both paranormal and romance, spiced with loving families and satisfyingly packed with self-sufficient, competent girls. (Paranormal mystery. 12-15)"
A pragmatic heroine must confront her magical side to save the day, find the ghost, win the boy and corral the goats. Read full book review >
Cover art for A PLACE TO CALL HOME
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 12, 2011
by Alexis Deacon, illustrated by Viviane Schwarz

"Fast-paced with wit and heart, this ridiculous rodent road-trip will appeal to future comic-book lovers—and anyone part of a tight band of brothers (or sisters). (Picture book. 4-8)"
Seven rodent brothers outgrow their hole and venture out into a junkyard in search of a new home in this vastly retooled take on "The Blind Men and the Elephant." Read full book review >