Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Top 10 Middle-Grade Books for August


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Cover art for THE BOSTON TEA PARTY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012
by Russell Freedman, illustrated by Peter Malone

"This slim volume brings to you-are-there life a historical episode often relegated to a sidebar. (afterword, bibliographic essay, note on tea, timeline, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)"
It might be said that the American Revolution began with the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012

"Realistic, gritty and uplifting. (Fiction. 10-14)"
Jamie lives in a bizarre world, where a sister can die in a bombing, and the only way to bring Mum and Dad together is by auditioning for Britain's Biggest Talent Show. Read full book review >
Cover art for AWESOME AUTUMN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012

"Wonderfully apropos pictures, solid information and sheer breadth are sure to make this an elementary-classroom staple. The cover blurb says it all: "All kinds of fall facts and fun." (Nonfiction. 5-10)"
Goldstone departs from his usual math picture books to deliver one of the most comprehensive books about autumn available for kids. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIAR & SPY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012

"Original and winning. (Fiction. 10-14)"
A seventh-grade boy who is coping with social and economic issues moves into a new apartment building, where he makes friends with an over-imaginative home-schooled boy and his eccentric family. Read full book review >
Cover art for AFTER ELI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 14, 2012

"Far more than a summer romance, this is a tribute to those left behind. (Fiction. 11-15)"
Daniel (E.) Anderson looks back on the summer he fell in love and finally came to terms with his soldier brother's death. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE EMPTY CITY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012

"Wild and wonderful adventure for middle-graders. (Adventure. 8-12)"
In this dog-themed series opener from the team behind the Warriors franchise, dogs must learn to face not only the results of the devastating earthquake that has turned their world upside down, but their own feelings of loyalty and independence. Read full book review >