Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

By: Chris Grabenstein

5/5 Anagrams

Kyle Keeley loves games, so much so that he's willing to do anything to win one... even if that means breaking a window and getting grounded for life. Desperate to play some games after only one day of grounding, Kyle is willing to do whatever it takes to win the contest for Mr. Lemoncello's Library Sleepover.

Mr. Lemoncello is an eccentric game creator who was discovered due to the diligent action of his public librarian. He has created world-famous games since she submitted his plans years ago.

Twelve years is how long Alexandriaville has gone without a public library, but that is all about to change...

To mark the twelve year anniversary of the absence of a public library, Mr. Lemoncello invites twelve 12-year-olds to the opening night of his newest invention: Alexandriaville's public library. However, this opening night is not what it seems. The children have 24 hours to escape Mr. Lemoncello's Library and win the grand prize.

A modern-day Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is a fast-paced, playful read for all ages! I thoroughly enjoyed the puzzles and brain power it took to get through each chapter. Chris Grabenstein lays out the puzzles in such a way that the reader plays along with the characters. It's an escape room in the form of a book!

The librarian side of me LOVED the inclusion of the Dewey Decimal System and how classification works. I giggled each time the characters discussed how much librarians know and can help people with. Every school board member should read this book before deciding to cut the library's budget. I began reading this book because one of my students wanted to discuss it in our pen pal letters (thanks coronavirus), but I devoured it after two days. I don't think my student knows what he's getting into because I can talk his ear off about how wonderful this read was! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys games, trivia, puzzles, and fun. Better yet: there are three more books in the series!