Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Spirited Chapter Book Heroines


Cover art for AMBER BROWN IS TICKLED PINK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2012

"Fully faithful to the voice Danziger gave Amber Brown, this visit with an old friend will totally satisfy readers. (afterword by Danziger's niece, "the real Amber Brown") (Fiction. 7-11)"
Amber Brown fans will rejoice; against all odds, their favorite protagonist is back. Read full book review >
Cover art for PENELOPE CRUMB
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 2, 2012
by Shawn K. Stout, illustrated by Valeria Docampo

"Fans of Clementine and Ramona will cheer as new friend Penelope finds what she is looking for. (Fiction. 7-10)"
Penelope Crumb's large nose links her to her mysterious grandfather, who, it turns out, is not Graveyard Dead. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAILEY TWITCH AND THE CAMPGROUND ITCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
by Lauren Barnholdt, illustrated by Suzanne Beaky

"This wholly satisfying trek embodies the a typical Hailey-ism: "very fun and funny." (Fantasy. 6-9)"
Hailey Twitch's excitement turns sour when her teenage sister's demanding friend joins the family on a weekend getaway. Read full book review >
Cover art for MARTY MCGUIRE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Floca

"Believable and endearing characters in a realistic elementary-school setting will be just the thing for fans of Clementine and Ramona. (Fiction. 7-10)"
When the promised land of third grade does not pan as promised, Marty McGuire finds herself playing a completely new role. Read full book review >
Cover art for CINDERELLA SMITH
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 24, 2011
by Stephanie Barden, illustrated by Diane Goode

"Though the first-person narration sounds a little too close to the voice of Sara Pennypacker's Clementine, the richness of this new friendship and the gentle resolution will make readers hope for another installment. (Fiction. 8-11)"
Cinderella Smith cannot keep track of her shoes. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOXY MAXWELL DOES NOT LOVE PRACTICING THE PIANO
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 11, 2009
by Peggy Gifford, photographed by Valorie Fisher

"This is a solid addition to a popular series, sure to attract new fans. (Fiction. 7-11)"
Prime procrastinator and drama queen Moxy Maxwell is about to take the stage for real, making her Piano Debut at the Palace Theater, playing "Heart and Soul" with her little sister, Patsy. Read full book review >