FICTION

FUTILITY OF DEFENSE

by Bryan Cole

A dazzling cast brightens this tale of clashing swords and spellcasting. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

RECIPE ROAD TRIP

by Nanette Lavin illustrated by Kate Eroshina

A colorful celebration of food and culture—children will delight in cooking (and eating) their way around the nation. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

WAGER SMART

by Tom Farrell

A smart, gripping crime thriller about the corrosive price of vengeance. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

SILLY CAT AND FRIENDS LAUGH AND PLAY

by Lorraine Abrams ; illustrated by Eva Vagreti

A book with lively rhyming text and humorous characters, enhanced by charming, fully realized illustrations. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

SECRETS OF THE RABBI’S MAFIA

by Irv Segal

An engrossing detective story teeming with memorable characters. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

SOMETIMES CRUEL

by Demetrius Koubourlis

A memoir in stories contextualizes the author’s striking experiences throughout his adventuresome life. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

THE ADVENTURES OF JELLY BEAN

by Amy Meislin Pollack

An endearing, plucky girl endures and overcomes in this absorbing quick read. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

THE BODY ON THE BEACH

by Chris Wieland

A delightful and surprising mystery that bodes well for further installments. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

IF YOU WALK LONG ENOUGH

by Nancy Hartney

Realistic, sharply descriptive, and movingly observant writing. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

ODES TO THE ORDINARY

by Emily Benson-Scott

A perceptive set of poems that find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CHILDREN'S

HELLO, MY NAME IS BUNNY! TOKYO

by Matt Bloom Matt Bloom ; illustrated by Pippa Mayell

A sweet and simple tale of forgiveness that teaches kids and adults alike the value of helping others. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

DANCEHALL

by Tim Stobierski

A vivid portrayal of love, sex, and desire using natural imagery. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 306 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: interviews with Mary L. Trump, Tony Tulathimutte, and David Almond; and more

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