Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library is the first book in a 5-book series by Chris Grabenstein. Grabenstein has written many, many books for children. He frequently co-authors series with James Patterson such as I Funny, House of Robots, and Treasure Hunters. This particular book has been made into a movie for Nickolodeon.

The story is about 12 12-year-olds who are invited to be the first and only guests of the opening night lock-in at the new public library in their town. The library is funded by billionaire game maker Luigi Lemoncello, famous for both his board games and his video games. It is not your average library but rather a fantastical, futuristic place that will remind you of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory (if you have read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl).

While the children enter the library expecting fun, games, and prizes, they soon find out that in order to win the best prize of all they will have to find the secret passageway out of Mr. Lemoncello's Library. Readers will enjoy the challenge of following book-related clues and solving puzzles right along with the main characters.

I recommend this book to 4th - 6th grade students who like the idea of an interactive story. If you like solving riddles and playing mind games, you will find this book thrilling! If you love the idea of being locked in the most amazing library you have ever imagined, this book is for you. If you are a fan of reality TV shows in which people get kicked off in the process of trying to win the grand prize, you will enjoy this story. It is faced-pace and full of action while being full of fantasy too.

Mrs. N.