Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




BEA 2012: Books for Middle Graders


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Cover art for WILL SPARROW'S ROAD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 6, 2012

"A compelling coming-of-age road trip. (author's note, suggested reading, selected resources) (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
In Elizabethan England, young Will hits the road with an assortment of human characters and Duchess, one smart pig. Read full book review >
Cover art for IVY AND BEAN MAKE THE RULES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2012
by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

"Making the rules rules! (Fiction. 6-9)"
It's spring break, and Bean's big sister, Nancy, is off to Monkey Park, where she'll get to spend every day having secret, big-kid fun at Girl Power 4-Ever Camp for girls 11-14. Bean is 7. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TWINNING PROJECT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012

"A multi-world adventure starring a band of heroes that readers will want to join. (Science fiction. 9-14) "
A high stakes twin-switch adventure. Read full book review >
Cover art for SON
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
Kirkus Star SON

"Bravo! (Fiction. 12 & up)"
In this long-awaited finale to the Giver Quartet, a young mother from a dystopian community searches for her son and sacrifices everything to find him living in a more humane society with characters from The Giver (1993), Gathering Blue (2000) and Messenger (2004). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012

"Mostly for Fforde's fans, although fantasy readers with a taste for the silly should appreciate the subverted tropes. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Finally, the first in Fforde's fantasy trilogy for young readers, published in the U.K. in 2010, makes it to this side of the pond. Read full book review >
Cover art for ROBIN HOOD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by David Calcutt, illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith

"Sure to attract new followers for a perennially popular hero. (research and bibliography) (Folklore. 9-13)"
Robbing the rich and punishing the privileged, Robin Hood and his band return in a series of nine episodes gracefully retold and beautifully designed to appeal to modern readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for SAMANTHA SUTTON AND THE LABYRINTH OF LIES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012

"Hardy readers will be eager to explore another lost world in the promised sequel. (Mystery. 9-13)"
When 12-year-old Samantha Sutton gets to join her archaeologist uncle on an actual dig in Peru, she learns the secret behind the local tradition of a madman in Chavín de Huántar, but not before some terrifying moments both above and below ground. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE RAIDERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Jørn Riel, illustrated by Helen Cann

"Not a stand-alone, unlike the opener, but still a worthy tale built around a core of clashing cultures and shared human values. (Historical fiction. 9-11) "
The second episode in the Danish author's Inuk Quartet sends young Icelander Leiv and his Inuit friends on a new mission of vengeance after Viking raiders plunder his newfound Greenland home. Read full book review >
Cover art for PROFESSOR GARGOYLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 25, 2012

"Delectable hints of age-appropriate, Lovecraftian Otherness…with none of the purple prose. (Humorous horror. 9-12)"
Can unnameable forces of ancient evil be recycled? Read full book review >
Cover art for RETURN TO THE WILLOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Jacqueline Kelly, illustrated by Clint Young

"Funny and warm, this could tempt a new generation toward the raptures of "messing about in boats." (Animal fantasy. 6-10)"
Writing a sequel to such a beloved classic is almost as bold a move as Toad stealing a motor-car, but happily, Kelly's results warrant accolades rather than a trip to gaol. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SPINDLERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
by Lauren Oliver, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

"Richly detailed, at times poetic, ultimately moving; a book to be puzzled over, enjoyed and, ideally, read aloud. (Final illustrations not seen.) (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Liza must venture Below to rescue her little brother's soul, stolen by evil, power-hungry spider people called spindlers, in this refreshingly creepy, intricately woven tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PECULIAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012

"A promising, atmospheric fantasy debut. (Fantasy. 10-15)"
Goblins, faeries, gnomes, elflike fay, sylphs, automatons and changelings, oh my! Read full book review >
Cover art for BOY OR BEAST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2012
illustrated by Andy Rash, by Bob Balaban

"A wacky story of loyalty and self-discovery. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Charles is 12, unpopular, bullied, small and geeky--and to make matters worse, he's turning into a giant reptile. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GEOMANCER'S COMPASS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012

"Notable for originality but limited by forced writing and shallow characters. (Science fiction. 11-14)"
Chinese-Canadian cousins must lay to rest the hungry ghost of an improperly buried ancestor in this debut for teens set in the very near future. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SECRET OF THE STONE FROG
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
illustrated by David Nytra, by David Nytra

"Not much here for plot, but fans of the art of Tenniel and his modern descendants (Maurice Sendak, Charles Vess) will find much to admire in this U.S. debut. (Graphic fantasy. 8-11)"
Nytra doesn't stray far from overt Carrollian influences in his graphically presented adventures of two temporarily lost children. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT CAME FROM THE STARS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012

"Spielberg, get ready for this boldly imagined outer-space offering. (Science fiction. 10-14)"
On a distant planet, the besieged Valorim send a necklace containing their planet to Earth in a last-ditch effort to save their civilization. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GREAT UNEXPECTED
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012

"An enchanting tale to treasure in which ordinary folk find fairies' gold, run across crooked bridges and mend their broken hearts. (Fiction. 8-12)"
When Finn falls out of a tree and into the life of Naomi, he brings more than a touch of Ireland's magic. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEYOND COURAGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"Thorough, deeply researched and stylistically clear, this is a necessary, exemplary book. (pronunciation guide, chronology, notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
In a book that is the very model of excellence in nonfiction, Rappaport dispels the old canard that the Jews entered the houses of death as lambs led to the slaughter. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPACE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Mike Goldsmith, illustrated by Sebastian Quigley

"A one-trick pony, grounded by uneven production values and low octane content. (index) (Novelty nonfiction. 9-12)"
Aside from a design gimmick, there's not much worth notice in this routine, scattershot history of space flight. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TEMPLETON TWINS HAVE AN IDEA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Ellis Weiner, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes

"Templeton Twins hidden in integrand function (5, 3). Read it to solve it! (Fiction. 9-13)"
The scene-hogging narrator steals the show in this clever series opener. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BOXCAR CHILDREN BEGINNING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
illustrated by Tim Jessell, by Patricia MacLachlan

"An approachable lead-in that serves to fill in the background both for confirmed fans and readers new to the series. (finished illustrations, afterword and resource list not seen) (Historical fiction. 8-10)"
This prelude slips neatly into the classic series with a rural idyll that comes to a sudden, tragic end. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ADVENTURES OF ACHILLES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"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 BINKY TAKES CHARGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
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 >
Cover art for FROZEN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"A good effort, but not compelling enough to capture many teen readers. (Historical fiction. 13 & up)"
Sixteen-year-old Sadie Rose, mute since her mother's murder 11 years ago, finds her voice again. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HIGH-SKIES ADVENTURES OF BLUE JAY THE PIRATE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
by Scott Nash, illustrated by Scott Nash

"An imaginative premise, fledged in showy if sometimes overdecorated finery. (Fantasy. 10-12)"
A corvid catastrophe threatens swashbuckling Blue Jay and his mixed avian crew after a treetop shipwreck leaves them to the tender mercies of a murder of crows. Read full book review >
Cover art for HUNTER MORAN SAVES THE UNIVERSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"The boys' exaggerated escapades make for an appealing read-aloud as well as a successful summer read. (Fiction. 9-12)"
On the first day of vacation, when rising sixth-grader Hunter Moran intercepts a phone call he interprets as a bomb plot, he sets out with his twin brother, Zack, to save the town of Newfield. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE QUILT WALK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"Finely stitched. (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
When 10-year-old Emmy Blue Hatchett's father announces that the family will be traveling from their home in Illinois to the frontier town of Golden, Colo., the reaction to the news is as varied as the colors in one of their beloved hand-pieced quilts. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CRIMSON SHARD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012

"A gripping continuation. (Fantasy. 9-12)"
In the sequel to The Blackhope Enigma (2011), a villain abducts Sunni and Blaise to discover the secrets they learned while inside magical artist Fausto Corvo's painting. Read full book review >
Cover art for PALACE OF STONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012

"Miri's story comes to a satisfying end; readers who have been waiting since 2005 will find their patience well rewarded. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Miri leaves her mountain of linder stone for another year of study and finds ethics and rhetoric to be powerful tools in the making of a revolution. 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 >
Cover art for GUSTAV GLOOM AND THE PEOPLE TAKER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 16, 2012
illustrated by Kristen Margiotta, by Adam-Troy Castro

"The author leaves much to be explored and explained in future episodes, but fans of Unfortunate Events will be willing to wait. (Fantasy. 10-12)"
In this promising series opener, a homicidal maniac stalks two children through a spooky old house that's far larger inside than outside. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHARLIE JOE JACKSON'S GUIDE TO EXTRA CREDIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
by Tommy Greenwald, illustrated by J.P. Coovert

"No middle schooler wants to face a month at summer enrichment camp, but many will enjoy watching Charlie Joe work harder than he has ever worked before to avoid it…even if he fails. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Charlie Joe Jackson learns that "being a perfect student is just really, really hard." Read full book review >
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 TROLL HUNTERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012
by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Ben Kovar

"A page-turner. (Horror. 10-13)"
"Beneath the vast volcanic lakes / Beneath the fiery core, / An ancient, ageless Evil wakes / And starts to rise once more." This poem sets the tone for a horror tale that offers middle-graders a fast, compelling read. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SHIMMERS IN THE NIGHT
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012

"Nicely serious eco-fantasy; may volume three have more cohesive internal logic. (Fantasy. 9-13)"
The seemingly three-tiered conflict that emerged in Fires Beneath the Sea (2011) coalesces into a single war in this earnest but somewhat haphazard middle volume. Read full book review >
Cover art for DINOS ARE FOREVER
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
by Greg Trine, illustrated by Frank W. Dormer

"Lighter-than-air superhero fun. (Adventure. 6-9)"
The wacky origin story of a fourth-grade girl superhero from the author of the Melvin Beederman, Superhero series. Read full book review >
Cover art for LAST LAUGHS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012

"Some spry and inspired grave humor here, but weighed equally with some unimaginative efforts. (Picture book. 7-10)"
Cracked epitaphs from Lewis and Yolen. Read full book review >
Cover art for WANTED
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012

"Pure, Goosebumps–style terror-by-formula, polished through use to such a high gloss that it slides along frictionlessly--a worthy celebration of the series' 20th anniversary. (reversible dust-jacket mask [not seen]) (Horror. 10-12)"
Making its fourth appearance and by now practically a recurring character in Stine's creep-show opus, the evil mask with a mind of its own kicks off a new Goosebumps spinoff--the first to be originally published in hardcover. Read full book review >
Cover art for BILL THE BOY WONDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012
by Marc Tyler Nobleman, illustrated by Ty Templeton

"Though Finger has been a known commodity to comics cognoscenti for years, this salute in his own format will make the lasting impression he deserves. (Graphic biography. 8 & up)"
It turns out that Batman--the orphaned, shadowy, well-heeled defender of an embattled Gotham--had another embarrassment of riches: two fathers. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOCUS POCUS HOTEL
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012
illustrated by Lisa K. Weber, by Michael Dahl

"With a touch of The Twilight Zone, it's the building and its guests that provide the eeriest entertainment. (Mystery. 9-12)"
Ty Yu, one of the biggest bullies in middle school, recruits Charlie Hitchcock and his "acute visual memory" for a little detective work. Read full book review >
Cover art for ACTS OF COURAGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012

"An opportunity for American children to see a little-known war through a rarely considered lens. (Historical fiction. 10-14) "
Written from a Canadian perspective, this well-researched and -documented historical novel offers young readers a fascinating perspective on the events following the American Revolution and leading up to the War of 1812. Read full book review >
Cover art for PARDON ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012
by Courtney Sheinmel, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell

"Not much happens to Stella, but she's fun to spend some time with, and now that she's successfully authored her own whole series, that'll be possible. (Fiction. 5-9) "
Back for her third outing, Stella reports, "If you write at least three books that are all connected then you have a series." Read full book review >
Cover art for ROCK OF IVANORE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 15, 2012

"An irascible talking wizard's staff is the only memorable element in this otherwise trite outing. (Fantasy. 10-12)"
Another paint-by-numbers quest fantasy that (surprise!) kicks off a series. Read full book review >
Cover art for CITY FISH, COUNTRY FISH
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
by Mary M. Cerullo, photographed by Jeffrey L. Rotman

"This attractive new look at underwater life may inspire diving dreams for both city and country readers. (Nonfiction. 9-13)"
The familiar contrast between city and country is used to compare the teeming, colorful and diverse world of tropical fishes with the more uniformly colored, less varied and less crowded cold-water world. Read full book review >
Cover art for SUMMER OF THE WOLVES
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012

"A fresh take on an old story. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Blended families that resist blending are a middle-grade–fiction staple, but this funny, gentle and compassionate story feels fresh, thanks to appealing, closely observed characters, both major and minor, and a compelling setting. Read full book review >
Cover art for PEACE, LOVE AND CUPCAKES
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012

"Cupcake recipes and baking tips are included in this overlong (for the audience) effort that misses the opportunity to effectively deal with bullying. (Fiction. 8-11)"
Can developing a successful baking club help a fourth-grader move out from the shadow of a persistent bully? Read full book review >
Cover art for PUTTING ON THE BRAKES
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012

"More specific and extensive manuals and workbooks abound, but as a lucid guide to the disorder and its management, this has proven its worth over the past 20 years. (multilevel, multimedia resource lists) (Self-help. 9-12, adult)"
Minor revisions and new illustrations freshen up the third edition of an encouraging, if generalized, guide for young people with attention issues and their parents. Read full book review >
Cover art for WORLD ATLAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 15, 2012
by Nick Crane, illustrated by David Dean, developed by TouchPress

"Not useful for reference, though an enticing plaything for younger armchair travelers. (iPad informational app. 5-8)"
Animations and clever enhancements give this elementary atlas more flash than its print version (2011), but the content remains skimpy and poorly organized. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BAREFOOT BOOKS WORLD ATLAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
by Nick Crane, illustrated by David Dean

Retro-looking maps with pictures of animals, transport, famous landmarks and traditional dancers fill the pages of this mediocre atlas. Read full book review >
Cover art for NATIVE DEFENDERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011

"Read straight through, the serviceable exposition may seem a bit repetitive, but the individual chapters provide excellent introductions to Native activists, useful for research and perhaps inspiring future campaigns. (glossary, resources, references) (Collective biography. 12-18) "
A collective biography of 11 Native Americans who have worked toward social justice, environmental reform and a return to ancestral ways. Read full book review >
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