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

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Cover art for MILES TO GO FOR FREEDOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star MILES TO GO FOR FREEDOM: SEGREGATION AND CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE JIM CROW YEARS
by Linda Barrett Osborne
"Readers will come away moved, saddened, troubled by this stain on their country's past and filled with abiding respect for those who fought and overcame. (timeline, notes, bibliography, note on sources) (Nonfiction. 11-14)"
Cogent and stirring, this very readable book focuses on the Jim Crow era, that period between 1896 and 1954, a shameful time in U.S. history framed by two landmark Supreme Court cases. Read full book review >
Cover art for COLD CEREAL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 7, 2012
Kirkus Star COLD CEREAL
by Adam Rex
"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
Kirkus Star QUESTION BOY MEETS LITTLE MISS KNOW-IT-ALL
by Peter Catalanotto, illustrated by Peter Catalanotto
"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
Kirkus Star KINDRED SOULS
by Patricia MacLachlan
"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 AND THEN IT'S SPRING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 14, 2012
Kirkus Star AND THEN IT'S SPRING
by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
"This sweet seedling will undoubtedly take root and thrive. (Picture book. 3-8)"
A boy plants seeds in late winter's brown, barren earth and vigilantly watches for green sprouts alongside his companions (a dog, turtle, rabbit and bird). Read full book review >
Cover art for WONDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 14, 2012
Kirkus Star WONDER
by R.J. Palacio
"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 >