Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

This title is meant for younger readers--the protagonist is 12. I read it to prepare for an author visit at my daughter's school. I was told it was like Willy Wonka meets Night at the Museum. I have to say, that's a pretty good description. I'd add in The DaVinci Code, too. Alexandriaville is getting a brand-new, state-of-the-art public library after having no library for 12 years. To celebrate the opening, 12 12-year-olds are chosen from an essay contest to spend a night in the library and be the first to experience its amazing collection and exhibits. Kyle Keeley, an avid gamer, manages to earn a spot. Once they are inside, the children learn that they can simply spend a night in the library, or they can play a real-life game to win a fabulous prize. Once the game begins, players do their best to decode clues and find the escape from the library before time runs out or another player beats them to it. This book is incredibly fun and packed with hints for readers to solve along with the characters in the book. The library in the story is a dream, full of technological innovations that enhance rather than replace traditional library systems--you'll still find books and the Dewey Decimal System in here. I love how Grabenstein showed readers that libraries are as relevant as ever, especially when they evolve with technology to help users find what they need. There's also a hidden puzzle in the book for readers to solve. Those who do (and who email the author by December 31, 2013) can win a library of books for themselves and for the library collection of their choice! Like the characters in the book, I got my entry in at the 11th hour. :)

Two seconds later, Sierra Russell was floating in the air, drifting up and to the left. It was absolutely awesome. “The hover ladder must use advanced magnetic levitation technology,” said Miguel, seated at the desk to Kyle’s right. “Just like the maglev bullet trains in Japan.” “Cool,” mumbled Kyle. And for the first time in his life, Kyle Keeley wanted to checkout a library book more than anything in the world.  From – Escape From Mr. Lemoncello‘s Library The most famous game maker in the world, Luigi Lemoncello grew up in a small town. The most important thing in the town to him was the library. He learned so much there and that's when he came up with his first ideas on making games, when he was just a kid. But the town library had been demolished twelve years ago. So the children in the town who are twelve have never had the privilege and benefit of having a public library. So when he designs the new library - he has a contest. Twelve 12e year olds can win a place to be the first in the library and spend the night in a lock in - there'll be lots of fun - games and prizes. It's an essay contest and Kyle Keeley is one of the winners. The next day after the 12 kids spend the night in the library, Kyle and the others find out that the real game is to escape from the library. The winner will get spectacular prizes. Though this is a kids book it's great for adults too. They’re fun clues, zany word puzzles, and it all takes place in the most splendid library ever. . Everyone should read this book - it's so much fun. I loved Escape From Mr Lemoncello's Library. A wonderful book. I highly recommended it.

This was an altogether fun read! Don't hold the fact against him that Mr. Grabenstein used to write in James Patterson's book factory. We found this book to be an absolutely delightful, engaging read. Grabenstein is clearly big on libraries as centers of discovery, learning and community. Twelve twelve-year-olds, who have never been in a library due to their town's library being torn down twelve years ago, compete to go to the grand opening of Mr. Lemoncello's library. Once there, they find themselves locked in and are told that their goal is to use the library and all its resources to discover a hidden exit for a grand prize. Mr. Lemoncello is a great game-maker and some of the clues come from his games, while others come from the ten Dewey Decimal Rooms, a holographic librarian and holographic creatures, and pictograms hidden in books. Grabenstein cleverly reinforces the idea that reading is, itself, a rewarding activity, and those who take time to focus on the process are rewarded more than those who try to take short cuts. He also emphasizes such values as loyalty, team-work, and respect. Titles of many famous children's books are sprinkled throughout Mr. Lemoncello's conversations and the clues. There is also a puzzle not in the story that can be solved and sent into Mr. Grabenstein for a chance to win two libraries of books. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is a fast read. Mr. Grabenstein also does a very good job of creating distinct characters. None of the kids feels like a carbon copy of the other; they're all fleshed out in ways that help you get a sense of what motivates them.

My son chose this book for a project in his grade 5 class. He's not a big reader but managed to plow through this in less than 2 weeks! And he loved it! Every evening he'd give me a synopsis of what he's read. He got an A+ on the project too!

Love the whole series. The first book is really nice and engaging. Creates further interest in looking at puzzles, codes, escape room, trivia etc. Treasure hunts became more exciting after throwing in rebus and other kinds of clues! Very nice and great book to gift as well

This book took me back to my childhood, the feeling of when I first fell in love with reading. I love books about books, and this was a good one for middle graders that can still be enjoyed be adults who have not forgotten their love of reading. The characters were endearing and the plot was engrossing. Would highly recommend!

Humour always entices children to read! This book provides lots of laughs

El libro era para un niño de 11 años y le ha gustado mucho. La mezcla de misterio, la resolución de pruebas, la presencia constante de libros, ha conseguido engancharle mucho y lo ha disfrutado.