Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Books for Teens: January 2012


Cover art for TEMPEST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2012

"It is equal parts adventure, romance, science fiction and touching family drama; readers will turn the last page and find themselves wishing they could "jump" to the future and read the sequel. (Science fiction. 14 & up)"
Jackson Meyer is a 19-year-old Upper East Sider with a loving and loyal girlfriend, a brilliant and funny best friend and an unexpected and exciting new talent. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SURVIVORS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012

"Sobering, thoroughly credible and, ultimately, optimistic about the chances of our better natures triumphing when the going gets rough. (Science fiction. 10-13)"
A family fleeing rapidly degenerating social order caused by world-changing volcanic eruptions finds respite and new heart in this well-crafted sequel to Memory Boy (2001). Read full book review >
Cover art for IN DARKNESS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012

"A dark journey well worth taking—engrossing, disturbing, illuminating. (author's note) (Fiction. 14 & up)"
A tale of two Haitis—one modern, one historic—deftly intertwine in a novel for teens and adults. Read full book review >
Cover art for THERE IS NO DOG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012

"Irreverent and funny, this book is sure to put off those concerned about blasphemous ideas showing up in teen literature, but it earns its place among the sharpest-witted tours de force of recent memory. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Bad luck for Earth that the job of the Almighty went to a horny, indolent teenager named Bob whose mother, Mona, won it in a poker game. Read full book review >
Cover art for A MILLION SUNS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 10, 2012

"Setting and plot are the heart and soul of this ripping space thriller, and they're unforgettable. (Science fiction. 14 & up)"
Opening soon after the bleak ending of Across the Universe (2011), this captivating middle volume takes Godspeed's 2,763 residents through commotion, twists and game-changers. Read full book review >
Cover art for TRY NOT TO BREATHE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 19, 2012

"Haunting, hopeful and masterfully crafted. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Evocative symbols, carefully drawn details and hints of romance enrich a spare, redemptive character study. Read full book review >