Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Books for Children: February 2012 (page 3)


Cover art for MILES TO GO FOR FREEDOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012

"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 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 >
Cover art for GARMANN'S SECRET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012
by Stian Hole, illustrated by Stian Hole, translated by Don Bartlett

"Fans of Hole's mixed-media collages, rendered in a retro-infused, surreal style, will find this book his most beautiful yet. (Picture book. 6-9)"
After tackling the neighborhood bully (Garmann's Street, 2010) and the impending death of his elderly aunts (Garmann's Summer, 2008), Garmann returns in his third discovery of life's universal truths, this time exploring secrets--and first love. Read full book review >
Cover art for ARTHUR'S DREAM BOAT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012
by Polly Dunbar, illustrated by Polly Dunbar

"A real attention-getter. (Picture book. 2 & up)"
Dunbar imaginatively transforms a seaside memory of a small boy in the ocean and a boat on the distant horizon into Arthur's adventure with a dream boat. Read full book review >