cover image
LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Best-seller Jeannette Walls talks about mining her own history for her new novel, The Silver Star.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Top 21 Middle-Grade Books for September

Showing
Cover art for A SOLDIER'S SECRET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star A SOLDIER'S SECRET: THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF SARAH EDMONDS, A CIVIL WAR HERO
by Marissa Moss
"An intimate look at a soldier's life from a compelling, historical perspective. (author's note, thumbnail biographies, timeline, bibliography) (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
A female Civil War soldier is brought alive for readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for INTO THE WOODS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star INTO THE WOODS
by J. Torres, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks
"Be prepared for young Sasquatch fans roaring for more. (Graphic fantasy. 6-11)"
Mom said there was magic in the woods…she probably didn't mean anything like this. Read full book review >
Cover art for DISCOVERING BLACK AMERICA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DISCOVERING BLACK AMERICA: FROM THE AGE OF EXPLORATION TO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
by Linda Tarrant-Reid
"From attractive page design to an afterword that encourages readers to search for their own history, there has been much attention to detail in this handsome volume. (notes, bibliography, art credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
This handsome, engaging study of African-American history brings to light many intriguing and tragically underreported stories. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ADVENTURES OF ACHILLES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE ADVENTURES OF ACHILLES
by Hugh Lupton, Daniel Morden, illustrated by Carole Hénaff
"Epic in deed and scope and a-bustle with larger-than-life characters, this retelling of the Iliad will rivet both readers and listening audiences. (bibliography) (Folktale/mythology. 11-14)"
Two veteran storytellers give one of mythology's greatest warriors his due in a narrative rich in drama, tragedy, intense emotion and heroic feats of arms. Read full book review >
Cover art for LULU AND THE DUCK IN THE PARK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star LULU AND THE DUCK IN THE PARK
by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
"Utterly winning. (Fiction. 7-9)"
A warmhearted beginning to a new chapter-book series delights from the first few sentences. Read full book review >
Cover art for BINKY TAKES CHARGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star BINKY TAKES CHARGE
by Ashley Spires, illustrated by Ashley Spires
"A purrrfect mix of slapstick, deadpan and catpan. (Graphic novel. 8-12)"
Space cat Lt. Binky has been tapped for a new assignment: recruit trainer! Read full book review >