Chrissy’s Review: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
written by Chris Grabenstein
published by Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Book Depository, Target, Walmart, Goodreads

Did I enjoy this book: I adored this book. I loved it so much that I read it in a day. I read it every free chance I had.

I bought this book for my son because it looked like something he would enjoy. However, I wanted to read it first to check it out for him, and I am so glad I did. I absolutely loved this story. I wish there was a real Mr. Lemoncello’s library. I’d go every day. I’d love to play some of Mr. Lemoncello’s games, too. They sounded like a blast.

 

And now for the story, Kyle and his friends are locked in Mr. Lemoncello’s library overnight because they won an essay contest. They are the first to experience the awesomeness of the library on opening night, but when morning comes, they learn there is a new game to be played. And what a game it is. The kids have to solve clues, think, play, and of course read in order to make it out of the library. I’ll tell you what . . . this story moves. It had me hooked from the very first page and it kept me reading until the very end. It teaches kids about teamwork and the power of reading.

 

Would I recommend it: Yes, to you or your younger readers!

 

About the book – from Goodreads: Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library.

Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route. And the stakes are very high.

In this cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Night in the Museum, Agatha Award winner Chris Grabenstein uses rib-tickling humor to create the perfect tale for his quirky characters. Old fans and new readers will become enthralled with the crafty twists and turns of this ultimate library experience.