Escape from Mr. Lemocello's Library

Chris Grabenstein

Escape from Mr. Lemocello’s Library, by Chris Grabenstein, is fantastical, fun, and crazy. Kyle Keeley, the main character, is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers as well), and an ardent fan of all games. From board games to 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. When 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. Follow Kyle as he makes his brain twist in a completly different way, makes friends, and overcomes difficulties.

Escape from Mr. Lemocello’s Library is a perfect cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Night in the Museum. 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. The story does teach kids how to use the library. Like how the dewey decimal system works, or what the archives are, or how to ask a librarian for help, and there is also a lot of trivia about literature. It also names a lot of different books that I would recommend anyone to read. I found this book to be highly addictive and simply a breath of fresh air. There’s always something going on in the story, and there’s a clear progression in regards to both the storyline and game. The characters aren’t complex, but I wouldn’t accuse them of being one-dimensional. It’s true that we lack background on them—except for a few exceptions—but their personalities are distinct.

Grade Level:

- Suggested: 4th-6th

- Advanced: 3rd

- Genre: Fiction

- Key Elements: Library, puzzles

- Possible Themes: Think creatively

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Happy Reading!

-The Book Lover-

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