Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Teens in the Arts


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Cover art for MARIE, DANCING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2005

"Her modeling leads to a fascination with Degas' art and that of Mary Cassatt, a friend of Degas, while her love interests and her unwillingness to become a mistress of a rich man add flavor to the tale. (Fiction 12+)"
The Paris of Degas and the Impressionists was a vibrant and exciting time of artistic accomplishment. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WISH HOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2006

"Compelling for its examination of the darker side of desire both sexual and artistic. (Fiction. YA)"
An intense foray into first lust and the meanings of art in the summer of 1970 and six years later. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SMILE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008

"Through this deeply personal story, Napoli paints a magnificent and mournful portrait of the Italian Renaissance, both tragic and triumphant. (Historical fiction. YA)"
The lushly detailed life of a girl who grows up to pose for the Mona Lisa. Read full book review >
Cover art for NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2009

"You may have met your match in Headley. (Fiction. 13 & up)"
The daughter of a verbally abusive cartographer attempts to chart the rugged emotional terrain of her life. Read full book review >
Cover art for IF I STAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2009

"Forman excels at inserting tiny but powerful details throughout, including the realistic sounds, smells and vocabulary of a hospital, which will draw readers into this masterful text and undoubtedly tug at even the toughest of heartstrings. (Fiction. YA)"
When snow cancels school, Mia and her family pile into their beat-up station wagon for a drive. Read full book review >
Cover art for HIDDEN VOICES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2009

"Fatherly Vivaldi, a ruddy, spirited and sympathetic composer approaching greatness, binds the girls and the story together. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 14 & up)"
Three girls train under Vivaldi at an esteemed orphanage for the musically gifted, each seeking love outside its strict classes and conventions. Read full book review >