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Need help finding the perfect book? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In each Books Inc. location there is a kids literature expert who can help you find the right book for the right reader. So choose your neighborhood store, and meet your expert!

Laurel Village

Caitlin

Berkeley

Andy

Palo Alto

Burlingame

Alameda

Opera Plaza

Connie

Georgianna

Castro

Jamie

Compass Books in SFO International

Chris

Books Inc. Kids's blog

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

Young Sherlock Holmes #1: Death Cloud

by Andrew Lane

A wonderful introduction to the character, Death Cloud goes back well before that fateful meeting between Holmes and Watson to see how Sherlock ticks. Sent to his mother’s relatives during the school holidays, Sherlock acquires a tutor who begins to train him not only to see, but also observe. There are lots of lovely touches to the original stories for those who know as well! A cracking mystery, engaging original characters and brisk prose add up to a worthy YA read for even the most disaffected youth. Ages 12 + --Reviewed by Steven of Books Inc. Palo Alto

STORYTIME-A-PALOOZA!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

This is the best middle reader historical fiction that I’ve read in years. As a girl growing up at the end

of the 19th century, Callie doesn’t feel like she has any control over the path her life will take; the only girl in a house full of brothers, she is all too aware that her future is full of cooking, cleaning, sewing, and raising children. But what Callie loves more than anything is observing nature and conducting scientific experiments. Fortunately, Callie finds an ideal companion and mentor who shares and nurtures her interest in science- her grandfather.

Each chapter begins with a quote from Darwin’s Origin of Species, mirroring Callie’s own “evolution” and the awakening of her ambition. The characters are smart and endearing, and I love Callie’s touching relationship with her grandfather. This Newbery Honor book is a must-read if you missed it the first time around.

-Caitlin, one of four Children's Lit experts from our Palo Alto Store

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder by R. J. Palacio (ages 10& up)

This is one of those books that you know is going to be special from the very first page. Starting middle school is hard, even harder for Auggie who’s been home schooled due to a rare genetic disorder that has given him a misshapen head and face that earned him nicknames like Freddy Krueger, he’s grown used to people adverting their eyes when they see him (I was terrified for him). But Auggie feels normal inside, he is obsessed with Star Wars, loves his Dog, and is surrounded by an amazing family that I secretly want to be a part of. What follows is an extraordinary debut novel told from not only Auggie’s perspective but his sister & other people around him whose lives have changed from his attendance at school. Both touching and funny this is a story about courage and friendship that will melt your heart.

--Shannon, Senior Children's Book Buyer for Books Inc.