• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7
• Reading age: 8 to 12

Kirby Katz has big dreams of making his fortune as an entrepreneur, just like his role model, hotel magnate William T. Williamson. But Kirby discovers that operating a "snow hotel" in the schoolyard comes with its own set of challenges: sourcing the best snow blocks, staff team-building, marketing, and competition from Brewster's Best Five-Star Inn, run by the Bear and his gang of the meanest kids in Grade 6. Worst of all, when Brewster's gang starts stealing Kirby's best ideas, all evidence points to a "mole" among his own staff.

Will Kirbys vision for the Frostbite Hotel survive the cold reality of corporate recess espionage?

KARIN ADAMS is the author of Lights! Curtains! Cows! (Lorimer, 2009) and No TV” No Fair! (Lorimer Streetlights, 2010). She shares her passion for creative writing with young people through Manitoba¿s Artists in the Schools program and in her popular library workshops. Karin has also worked as an instructor at the University of Winnipeg. She lives in East St. Paul, Manitoba.

Karin Adams' profile page

• Short-listed, SYRCA Diamond Willow Award
• Short-listed, Hackamatack Children's Choice Award

"I thought this was undoubtedly one of the most original children's stories I have seen in long time . . . The characters are cute and the story flows well and keeps you giggling at the mishaps along the way. I think kids and parents alike will enjoy this story. Children will no doubt relate to the struggles of the main character to find his place within the schoolyard, and parents can feel good about their kids learning something from this book as well as being entertained . . . Recommended for teachers, parents, grandparents and anyone who wants to have a good time reading with the little ones in their lives."

Reviewer at Readful Things Book Reviews

"Kirby's entrepreneurial aspirations make Frostbite Hotel both original and humorous . . . Its format and the clear layout will attract young readers as will the readable style and regular series of mishaps . . . Libraries will find Frostbite Hotel a different addition for their collections, and inventive young readers will enjoy the book and may even be inspired to try its precepts in their own business ventures!"

CM Magazine

"Karin Adams isn't afraid to follow uncharted territory in Frostbite Hotel, a hilarious look at a budding entrepreneur who learns that success is about more than money."

Prairie Books Now

"This book has more laughs than a blizzard has snowflakes . . . If you enjoy stories of friends taking on a challenge, or a bully, then you should check in to the Frostbite Hotel and enjoy your stay."

Librarian at Fairview Elementary School Library

"Loved this Canadian tale of entrepreneurship, friendship and family. Many opportunities for reader discussions identifying and comparing adult solutions with kid interpretations. This will be a sure fire recommendation for young tycoons looking for a business plan that is combined with anti-bullying conversation."

Retired Librarian/Current Consultant

"[Frostbite Hotel is a delightful read about what it takes to fit in at recess out in the school yard . . . The bully issues dealt with are real enough to make this book relatable for kids. It open[ed lines of communication about business and bullying on the playground."

Reviewer at Rainey Day Book Reviews

"A fun, quirky book with likable underdogs."

Educator at Hood River County School District

"This book is a delightful way to introduce basic business concepts without resorting to the traditional 'kids running a lemonade stand'. The best part of the story, however, is Kirby's solution to dealing with the playground bully. Kirby and his friends come across as believable kids trying to deal with playground politics."

Librarian, NetGalley Reviewer

"If ever there was a book that's perfect for budding entrepreneurs, it's this one . . . I thought this was a pretty clever book. What better way to teach kids about the principles of (hotel) business than by inserting them into a novel? I liked that the lessons were incorporated in such a way that it doesn't feel like a lesson book and feels more like a natural progression of the story . . . As for the ending, I liked that it championed cooperation, not only in business but also in life."

Reviewer at Second Bookshelf on the Right

"Frostbite Hotel is a delightful romp through the ups and downs of recess politics. A fantastic addition to any elementary library collection."

Librarian at Boissevain and Morton Regional Library

"This was such a refreshing story . . . [It kept me interested through the entire novel. The book was a pleasant surprise . . . Frostbite Hotel is the perfect story for readers in third, fourth, and fifth grade. I'm excited to introduce this book to my students in fourth grade. It can be read by individual students and/or would make a wonderful read aloud in classroom in these grade levels."

Educator, NetGalley Reviewer

"Karin Adams delivers with a winter-themed Frostbite Hotel . . . Adams really nails the elementary school relationships: the friendships, the fears, the strengths. Children reading this book will be able to identify with the characters in the book . . . This book is a winner! Looking for a good book? Frostbite Hotel is a great book for that student who is just ready for a longer book and is perfect for those who may be snowed in during the winter months!"

Librarian at Rushford Public Library