Books Inc. Kids's blog

Both an exciting tale of intrigue and adventure and a character-driven coming of age story, Icefall is the gripping newest novel from Matthew Kirby.  Solveig is the disregarded daughter of a Nordic king.  When war threatens their nation, she is sent far away up a fjord along with her brother and sister and some of her father’s berserker warriors.  As winter descends and the ice locks them in, it becomes clear that there is a traitor in their midst and Solveig must figure out who she can trust before it’s too late.  Solvieg’s struggle with betrayal and fear ends up leading her to a discovery of her own self-worth.  Layered in the icy atmosphere of winter and with an unforgettable heroine, this book was one of my favorites.

For ages  9-14

Reviewed by Anna from Books Inc. Chestnut Street

ALSO Congratulations to ANNA! (But sad for us.) She will be leaving us soon to go to Library School! Here's to you, Anna, the best future librarian in the country!

I'm not usually into graphic novels, but as soon as I saw Claudette with her cunning smirk on the cover I knew I had to read it. Claudette isn't afraid of anything especially not giants! She sets off to slay a giant with her little brother Gaston (who's not so brave) and her best friend Marie (an aspiring princess). These three go on quite the adventure and find out some things about themselves along the way, and also find out a surprising fact about the giant they're after! Definitely a fun read. (Ages 8+)

--Reviewed by Melanie from Books Inc. Berkeley

 You can also check out ANOTHER rapturous review of this fabulous new graphic novel from Steven in Palo Alto here!

Here, in quick, memorable doses.

That witty, clever (and just a little crooked) Dahl will get you with at least at least one of these stories. He can turn any story on its head, tickle its feet and leave you gasping.

And these sharp short stories will revisit you— you’ll find yourself recounting, re-reading… to yourself, to the wind, to strangers in the park… and maybe, if they’re really lucky, to your friends.

Some of the stories in this collection you may recall having heard before, and the others, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

I’d say those of you ages 12+ can handle it…and those of you under 12, may dare to venture there…

-Reviewed by Chantal from Books Inc. Mountain View