It's that time again. For the moment, anyway, my curated starred review spreadsheet is up to date, y'all.
As a reminder, I curate and collate the starred reviews from six trade journals:
I realize, of course, that other sites/blogs award stars, too... but these are the journals I've chosen to focus on.
THE STARS SO FAR
Here's how the 2024 numbers currently shake out. As of this post, I've recorded 1727 reviews representing 1,144 unique titles. Here's the star distribution so far:
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
10 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
30 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
104 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
264 ⭐️ ⭐️
755 1
And here's how the 2025 starred reviews currently stack up! As of this post, I've recorded 146 reviews representing 115 unique titles. Here's the star distribution so far:
2 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
15 ⭐️ ⭐️
93 ⭐️
And, finally, here are some excerpts from the reviews of the two titles (so far!) to have earned 4 starred reviews.
How Sweet the Sound: A Soundtrack For America
by Kwame Alexander and Charly Palmer
"Black musical greats populate dramatic, color-drenched muralistic pages, while street scenes commemorate the rise of hip-hop and rap, “the tough-times poetry of the streets talking.'” - Publishers Weekly
'"Taking a comprehensive approach, Alexander explores regional styles such as go-go alongside internationally known genres, including gospel, jazz, and hip-hop. Palmer’s distinctive illustrations offer the perfect accompaniment." - Kirkus
"This vibrant picture book lifts up a stirring and enthusiastic ode to the magnificent tapestry of American music." - Booklist
"[Alexander] unfolds a rich, historical panorama of singers and song titles, instruments, landmark recordings, and musical styles, from field hollers and “Congo Square ring shouts” to Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 album Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers—all identified and given additional appreciation and context in an expansive section of end notes." - SLJ
Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer
by Quartez Harris and Gordon C James
"Thickly stroked oil-on-board illustrations have a dreamlike quality as they emphasize the love of words as a cornerstone of Baldwin’s life. Back matter, which includes biographical information and creators’ notes, discusses Baldwin’s queer identity." - Publishers Weekly
"A superb introduction to a master of the craft and a work of art in and of itself." - Kirkus
"This book is especially recommended because it not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it also can stimulate discussions of the ways in which reading and writing enrich our lives." - SLJ
WHAT DID I MISS?
Last month, a few people used the form I created to let me know that I had missed a star - thank you! As you might imagine, this project takes a lot of time and it's easy to make mistakes. I appreciate your help as I do my best to make sure the final product is as accurate as possible. That said, to be clear, I'm not taking notes on misspellings, etc., but If, after at least a month**, you notice that I have missed a starred review from one of the journals I curate, please use this form to let me know.
**,Why do I 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.
Happy reading, y'all!
