Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Books for Children: February 2012 (page 2)


Cover art for WONDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 14, 2012

"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder. (Fiction. 8-14)"
After being home-schooled for years, Auggie Pullman is about to start fifth grade, but he's worried: How will he fit into middle school life when he looks so different from everyone else? Read full book review >
Cover art for COLD CEREAL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 7, 2012

"A massive explosion at the end only sets that evil scheme back a bit; stay tuned for further strange and exhilarating developments. (Fantasy. 11-13)"
A motley assortment of human experimental subjects and faerie exiles take on a New Jersey cereal company run by eldritch management for nefarious purposes. Read full book review >
Cover art for QUESTION BOY MEETS LITTLE MISS KNOW-IT-ALL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 7, 2012

"Grown-ups beware. Youngsters might have their own questions and answers after this romp. (Picture book. 4-8)"
An irresistible force meets an immovable object with hilarious results. Read full book review >
Cover art for KINDRED SOULS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 7, 2012

"It's rare to find a children's book that deals so well with death as part of life, offering kids an effective approach to coping with sadness that incorporates humor, love and joy. (Fiction. 8-11)"
This spare first-person account of a boy coping with his grandfather's death beautifully portrays something rare and surprisingly valuable: the opportunity to grieve for a loved one even while he is still alive. Read full book review >
Cover art for A BLACK HOLE IS NOT A HOLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012

"Hole-y astronomy! (timeline, glossary, author's note, bibliography, image credits, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
Oh, my stars! As the cover proclaims, a black hole may not be an actual hole, but readers will be glad they fell into this book. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEST SHOT IN THE WEST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012

"History that's fun to read…and important. (authors' note, illustrator's note) (Historical fiction. 10 & up)"
On a train out of Denver in 1902, two old cowboys reminisce about the Old West. Read full book review >