🤩 Among The Stars: August Update
- Jennifer LaGarde
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
It's that time again. For the moment, anyway, our curated starred review spreadsheet is up to date, y'all.
As a reminder, Martha Hickson curate and collate the starred reviews from six trade journals:
We realize, of course, that other sites/blogs award stars, too... but these are the journals we've chosen to focus on.
You May Have Noticed...
I'm (STILL) behind on, well... everything! When I started this project in 2023, I knew it would be time consuming and that I would, inevitably, fall behind. Over the last couple of months, I've been consumed with some projects that I am not ready to share yet, but it's resulted in slow progress on other things. That said, I know people depend on this work, so thanks for being patient - and big thanks to Martha for staying on top of the journals she curates.
The Stars So Far!
Here's the current distribution of 2025 stars so far:
You can take a closer look at all the spreadsheet related data I'm collecting by checking out the tab labeled "statistics" at the bottom of the spreadsheet.
Jennifer's Picks + Takeaways
At the end of August, this year's Kirkus Prize finalists were announced. For those unfamiliar, The Kirkus Prize was first awarded in 2014 and is given each year in three categories: fiction, nonfiction, and young readers’ literature. Books are eligible if they have received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews during the year, and finalists are selected from that pool. In the young readers’ category, six titles are named each fall, representing picture books, middle grade, and young adult writing. It probably won't come as a big surprise that I have been curious about how many starred reviews each of these titles has received this year, so this month I did a little digging. Here's what I've learned, along with my own (completely subjective) theories about why each book may have been chosen as a finalist. Happy reading, y'all!
Island Storm by Brian Floca, illustrated by Sydney Smith
One reason this book may have been named a Kirkus finalist is the way it captures both the terror and beauty of a tropical storm. Two siblings weather the surge of wind and rain, with illustrations that swirl and crash across the page. The story balances fear with resilience, reminding readers of the strength found in family. As a big fan of both Sydney Smith AND Brian Floca, I'm so excited to see this book get its flowers. I imagine this is only the first of such accolades.
Everybelly by Thao Lam
One reason this book may have been named a Kirkus finalist is its joyful embrace of bodies in all their forms. The collage artwork celebrates bellies that are big, small, scarred, tattooed, and stretched, each honored with warmth. It is playful, gentle, and full of delight, inviting children to laugh and feel proud of themselves. I love this sweet little book, y'all, even though the trim size makes the librarian in me twitch a bit!
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes
One reason this book may have been named a Kirkus finalist is because Derrick Barnes is a genius and there's nothing he can't do! More seriously, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze is a layered portrayal of a boy caught between talent and expectation. Henson is known for his football skills, but a sudden turn forces him to face questions of identity and value. Barnes gives readers a story that blends sports, community, and the challenge of being seen for who you are. I'm so happy to see this book recognized in this way, because it means more readers will have the chance to meet Henson Blayze!
John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan, illustrated by Marja Liisa Plats, translated by Adam Cullen
I was surprised to this title on the list, because it's a 2024 release. It's a good reminder, that the Kirkus Prize doesn't pull from a single calendar year. That said, One reason this book may have been named a Kirkus finalist is its unusual tenderness. A classroom skeleton is “retired” into the home of an elderly couple, where he becomes more than bones. John shares their days, their art, and their love. Quirky and gentle, this book is truly one of a kind and I was delighted to be reminded of it.
Butterfly Heart by Moa Backe Åstot, translated by Agnes Broomé
Truthfully, I'd never heard of this book before the Kirkus Prize finalists list was announced. Since then, I've done a little research and one reason this book may have been named a Kirkus finalist seems to be its intimate view of grief and belonging. Additionally, the Kirkus review that contributed to its status as a finalists heaps praise on the book's main character, staing, "from emotional depths to a healing, triumphant resolution, Vilda is an Everygirl for our time."
Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming
If you've been keeping up with this year's starred review spreadsheet, then you know that this book has (until this update) been the only title to receive a star from ALL SIX trade journals that we curate. One reason this book may have been named a Kirkus finalist is its unflinching exploration of one of history’s darkest moments. Fleming traces the rise and collapse of Jim Jones and Jonestown with clarity and care. The account is both vivid and accessible, giving young readers a glimpse into the harm caused by cults at a time when so many of us need a better understanding of this phenomenon.
What Did I Miss?
As you might imagine, this project takes a lot of time and it's easy to make mistakes. Martha and I appreciate your help as we do our best to make sure the final product is as accurate as possible. That said, to be clear, we are not taking notes on misspellings, etc., but If, after at least a month**, you notice that we have missed a starred review from one of the journals we curate, please use this form to let us know.
** Why do we ask you to wait a month? Some reviews appear online before that journal's official issue has been released. Waiting the month helps me avoid duplicating reviews.
