Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Notable New Children's & Teen Books


Cover art for PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"The author depicts the journey to overcome a legacy of poverty, violence, addiction and ignorance as an arduous one, but Vera's path glimmers with grace and hope. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
A harrowing but ultimately redemptive tale of adolescent angst gone awry. Read full book review >
Cover art for STABLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
by Ted Lewin, illustrated by Ted Lewin

"Beautiful. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
As he did in his acclaimed At Gleason's Gym (2007), Lewin conveys the spirit of a Brooklyn institution through sumptuously detailed, luminous watercolors. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO LIVING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
by Lia Hills, photographed by Lia Hills

"A well-crafted story from a new voice. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Seventeen-year-old Will is desperate to find meaning in life following the sudden death of his mother. Read full book review >
Cover art for JOURNEY INTO THE DEEP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010

"Rich, revealing and rewarding. (glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, suggestions for further learning, index, acknowledgements) (Nonfiction. 8-14)"
This strikingly illustrated book takes its readers on a series of research voyages exploring the ocean from its shallow edges to unfathomable depths during the recently completed ten-year International Census of Marine Life. Read full book review >
Cover art for CATE OF THE LOST COLONY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010

"This robust, convincing portrait of the Elizabethan world with complex, rounded characters wraps an intriguingly plausible solution to the "lost colony" mystery inside a compelling love story of subtle thematic depth. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 14 & up)"
The fate of England's first American colony is the centerpiece of this engaging romance set during the reign of Elizabeth I. Orphaned at 14, Lady Cate Archer is appointed maid of honor to the queen, whose favorite, Sir Walter Ralegh, becomes infatuated with her. Read full book review >
Cover art for PEA BOY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
adapted by Elizabeth Laird, illustrated by Shirin Adl

"A wonderful blend of traditional stories and original art that reflects the customs of this country. (Folktales. 7-10)"
The engaging storyteller, who visited Iran both before and after the Islamic Revolution, gives some historical and political background in her introduction, but her focus is rightly on the people and their tales. Read full book review >