Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New & Notable Books for Teens: January 2012


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Cover art for HADES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
by George O'Connor, illustrated by George O'Connor

"An outstanding addition to a first-rate series. (notes, study questions, resource lists) (Graphic mythology. 8-14)"
A tempestuous mother-daughter relationship makes up the centerpiece of O'Connor's latest carefully researched and simultaneously fresh and funny Olympian portrait. 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 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 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 >
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 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 UNDER THE NEVER SKY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 3, 2012

"Inspired, offbeat and mesmerizing. (Science fiction. 12 & up)"
Debut author Rossi creates a dystopian world in which a teenage girl loses her home but finds truth, love and identity. Read full book review >
Cover art for GIRL MEETS BOY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2012

"A superb offering--and therefore a shame that its cover design of a boy and girl in a clinch makes it look like a run-of-the mill romance, which may limit its appeal. (Short stories. 14 & up)"
This conceptually unique collection of short story pairings by a constellation of teen-literature stars explores a variety of relationship types as the respective male and female involved in each one experience them. Read full book review >
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 DRAGONSWOOD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2012

"Painful, cathartic and cautiously hopeful; a fairy tale for those who have given up on believing in them, but still yearn for happily ever after. (Fantasy. 14 & up) "
A dark fantasy illuminated by piercing flashes of hope builds upon the well-received Dragon's Keep (2007), while standing complete on its own. Read full book review >