Grabenstein, Chris. 2013. ESCAPE FROM MR.
LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375870897 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-8]
REVIEW
Grabenstein’s latest novel is a witty
treasure hunt filled with literary references. When famous game maker, Mr.
Lemoncello, hosts an essay contest for all the 12 year olds in town to attend
the grand opening of his new library, Kyle Keeley dreams of being selected as
one of the lucky winners. Along with his friends Akimi and Miguel, Kyle wins
one of the coveted spots to the private lock-in. Once they arrive, the kids
discover there is another game. Whoever can escape the library in 24 hours will
star in the game company’s holiday commercials. Their library cards and the
library staff, including a holographic image of Mr. Lemoncello’s childhood
librarian, will help them find everything they need to win.
Kyle’s talent at winning board games comes in
handy as his team races against the clock to solve the riddle of the library by
drawing on their past experiences playing Mr. Lemoncello’s puzzles combined
with their knowledge of literature and the Dewey decimal system. Working
together, the team uncovers the secret exit to the library and Kyle even
discovers a new love of reading along the way.
The author’s note after the story claims the
game isn’t really finished. The book contains a clue about a mysterious puzzle
that wasn’t solved by Kyle’s team. Readers are encouraged to email their
solutions to the author.
CONNECTIONS
This is a fun book for reviewing research
skills without even trying. Divide students into groups to see who can find the
most literary references in the story.
RELATED BOOKS
Other library
adventure books:
Kerrin,
Jessica Scott. THE SPOTTED DOG LAST SEEN. ISBN 9781554983872
Scieszka, Jon. SUMMER READING IS KILLING ME! 9780142401156
By Kimberly C. Kinnaird
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