A review by bookthia
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This middle grade romp is getting the Willy Wonka comps. In structure, sort of similar, but definitely not in plot. In Mr Lemoncello’s Library Escape, the kids mostly learn to work together. And it pays off for sure! My biggest beef is that Kyle, the main character, is rewarded for his last-ditch half-hearted attempt to win the contest he was only interested in AFTER he learned what the prize was. What kind of lesson is that? Still. He redeems himself quickly.
This story is marketed as middle grade but these are some of the smartest 12 year olds I have encountered! The book titles and authors referenced within as part of the puzzles and games the characters have to solve are frequently adult titles or books that I was astonished these 12-year old characters even knew about. But the clues and games aspect was super fun and readers of all ages will love trying to figure things out.
It’s a fun book for sure.
This story is marketed as middle grade but these are some of the smartest 12 year olds I have encountered! The book titles and authors referenced within as part of the puzzles and games the characters have to solve are frequently adult titles or books that I was astonished these 12-year old characters even knew about. But the clues and games aspect was super fun and readers of all ages will love trying to figure things out.
It’s a fun book for sure.