Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library Author: Visit Amazon's Chris Grabenstein Page | Language: English | ISBN:
037587089X | Format: PDF
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library Description
Amazon.com Review
Amazon Best Books of the Month, June 2013:
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is part
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, part
A Night in the Museum, and a whole lot of fun. When the eccentric inventor of video and board games returns to his hometown to build a library the likes of which has never been seen, he brings with him the most spectacular puzzler of them all. Seventh grader Kyle Keeley wants, more than anything, to be the winner of Mr. Lemoncello’s latest challenge but it will take skill, wit, and ultimately teamwork to come out on top. With a delightful cast of characters and the homey feel of family game night, Chris Grabenstein’s novel mimics elements of two beloved classics but stands on its own merit as a sure fire winner with young readers. --
Seira Wilson From Booklist
*Starred Review* Here’s an instantly engaging and wildly creative mystery that is sure to have readers looking at their humble local library in a new light. Mr. Lemoncello is an eccentric game designer who has just funded a very special new library in his hometown. In honor of the grand opening, Lemoncello has selected a dozen 12-year-olds to participate in an overnight lock-in event at the library. But when the kids wake up, they discover a new and unexpected game is afoot: whoever can find a way out of Mr. Lemoncello’s library will win the grand prize. Avid readers will get a kick out of the references to classic and current children’s literature as the kids solve clues to escape and win the game. Main character Kyle Keeley works hard to beat his nemesis, the conniving bully Charles Chilington, who constantly reminds everyone that he is always successful. As Lemoncello says, knowledge not shared remains unknown, and the group learns that working together just might be the key to solving the mystery. An ode to libraries and literature that is a worthy successor to the original madman riddle master himself, Willy Wonka. Grades 4-7. --Sarah Bean Thompson
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- Age Range: 8 - 12 years
- Grade Level: 3 - 7
- Hardcover: 304 pages
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (June 25, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 037587089X
- ISBN-13: 978-0375870897
- Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is a fun, lighthearted read that will be perfect for any young book lover. I'm a big fan of libraries and children's literature, so I was very excited to see what the author would be able to do with this very Willy Wonka - like concept. This is a very fast paced read, filled with puzzles to figure out. The mystery itself is very well plotted and will have readers holding on to the very end to see who will win the prize. Kids will love all the little shout outs to their favorite authors and books, and I loved all the valuable Dewey information that the author so seamlessly integrated into the story.
I think the problems I had with this book rose primarily from my sky high expectations. I wanted more. It had its witty moments, but the humor stayed on more of a whimsical level throughout the story. I really wish the author could have incorporated more character development. All of the characters were rather two dimensional and clichéd. I would have had much more fun if the villain would have been just a wee bit sneakier and the good guy just a bit more real. Mr. Lemoncello himself was under-utilized. I wanted to hear more from him! I also found it odd that one of the games played by the students in the library centered on adult authors instead of children's book authors. It stood out since all the other games and puzzles concerned children's books. These however are the petty concerns of an adult reader.
This is an excellent choice for young readers grades four through seven, especially those who already enjoy books and libraries.
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