Book List

Best Picture-Book Biography of 2020

CHILDREN'S

THE OLDEST STUDENT

by Rita Lorraine Hubbard ; illustrated by Oge Mora

Enjoy this book with every child you know; let Mary Walker become a household name. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA

by Heather Sanche ; illustrated by Tara di Gesu

A succinct, beautifully crafted documentation of the origin of Buddhism. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

PERKIN'S PERFECT PURPLE

by Tami Lewis Brown & Debbie Loren Dunn ; illustrated by Francesca Sanna

Perfect for STEAM-infused reading and for grasping the value of serendipity. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

NACHO'S NACHOS

by Sandra Nickel ; illustrated by Oliver Dominguez

Nickel’s homage to this congenial, hardworking man and his renowned snack is a celebration of ingenuity and kismet. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

DRAWING ON WALLS

by Matthew Burgess ; illustrated by Josh Cochran

An inspired, and inspiring, continuation of Haring’s intention. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

DARK WAS THE NIGHT

by Gary Golio ; illustrated by E.B. Lewis

An ode to a too-little-discussed musician and an excellent introduction to his amazing musical talent. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

WILLIAM STILL AND HIS FREEDOM STORIES

by Don Tate ; illustrated by Don Tate

Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

DIGGING FOR WORDS

by Angela Burke Kunkel ; illustrated by Paola Escobar

The inspiring story of a man who believes in the power of books and the importance of community. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 273 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this special Food Issue: interviews with Adobe Khorram, Stanley Tucci, Marc Aronson, and Alexis Castellanos; and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview