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mehsi's review
5.0
4.5 stars.
Wow this was a super fun book. I loved that it took place in a library, though it felt more like a media centre than a real library. For instance, the games, the reality stuff, I just didn't think it fitted.
But other than that? I wanted to be in that library and get lost there for days and days. It seems like such a fun place, filled with books, filled with stories. I really loved the fact they had holographic librarians from all kinds of times. Or even fairy tale or famous people to help people in the library.
The characters were all fun and nice, well all... with exception of Charles, or mister Bratty I-know-it-all-and-you-all-suck. I really disliked him and his attitude and how he did everything to win, no matter how dirty or mean. Even if it meant treating people like poo.
Kyle was a really great character though. At first I thought he was just your typical boy, with nothing more on his mind than games, games and comics. But in this book we can see him change. At first he doesn't like the books that much, but sooner or later you see him longing for a book, wanting to know more about the book. And it all happened pretty believable, it wasn't an instant switch from dislike and disdain to like and thinking it is pretty cool.
Add to that that Kyle was pretty smart, even though you get the impression he is not. I liked how he treated his team, and how he tried to add more people or to help people even when they don't belong to his team. It shows character.
My favourite character out of all characters? Sierra. Getting lost in books, shy and an overall awesome girl who knows a lot about her books.
Of course, the who will win this contest thing was obvious, but I blame that mostly to the fact this is a kids book, and what I noticed is that often kids books have a predictable plot or ending. Which isn't that bad, but still is a bit of a shame. Still I had fun cheering for our protagonists and their battles, their puzzles.
Oh and on that matter. I loved the puzzles, I had lots of fun trying to puzzle and try to figure out the mystery by myself.
I also loved the various references to other books, to other series. Some I didn't get (because I hadn't read the book), but quite a few I got and they had me laughing and cheering. You don't often see books getting referenced in another book.
All in all I loved this book, it was really interesting and it also reminded me a bit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This time a contest and a tour through a library. :) I would really recommend this one to everyone.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Wow this was a super fun book. I loved that it took place in a library, though it felt more like a media centre than a real library. For instance, the games, the reality stuff, I just didn't think it fitted.
But other than that? I wanted to be in that library and get lost there for days and days. It seems like such a fun place, filled with books, filled with stories. I really loved the fact they had holographic librarians from all kinds of times. Or even fairy tale or famous people to help people in the library.
The characters were all fun and nice, well all... with exception of Charles, or mister Bratty I-know-it-all-and-you-all-suck. I really disliked him and his attitude and how he did everything to win, no matter how dirty or mean. Even if it meant treating people like poo.
Kyle was a really great character though. At first I thought he was just your typical boy, with nothing more on his mind than games, games and comics. But in this book we can see him change. At first he doesn't like the books that much, but sooner or later you see him longing for a book, wanting to know more about the book. And it all happened pretty believable, it wasn't an instant switch from dislike and disdain to like and thinking it is pretty cool.
Add to that that Kyle was pretty smart, even though you get the impression he is not. I liked how he treated his team, and how he tried to add more people or to help people even when they don't belong to his team. It shows character.
My favourite character out of all characters? Sierra. Getting lost in books, shy and an overall awesome girl who knows a lot about her books.
Of course, the who will win this contest thing was obvious, but I blame that mostly to the fact this is a kids book, and what I noticed is that often kids books have a predictable plot or ending. Which isn't that bad, but still is a bit of a shame. Still I had fun cheering for our protagonists and their battles, their puzzles.
Oh and on that matter. I loved the puzzles, I had lots of fun trying to puzzle and try to figure out the mystery by myself.
I also loved the various references to other books, to other series. Some I didn't get (because I hadn't read the book), but quite a few I got and they had me laughing and cheering. You don't often see books getting referenced in another book.
All in all I loved this book, it was really interesting and it also reminded me a bit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This time a contest and a tour through a library. :) I would really recommend this one to everyone.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
drusmilford's review against another edition
4.0
Great fiction book for kids who love libraries, books, games, puzzles to solve and understand or want to learn about the Dewey Decimal system. Fun read.
vtsarahd's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a joy to read! It was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Gollywhopper Games. Author Chris Grabenstein has created a delightfully fun book for children. the eccentric game inventor Mr. Lemoncello has designed an adventure for a group of twelve year old children in his hometown. Their new public library, state of the art and full of exciting technology and twists, is scheduled to open on Mr. Lemoncello's birthday. There is a contest to have the children escape from the library within 24 hours to win the grand prize. Kyle Keeley finds himself selected as one of the finalists and is the main character. He encounters some new friends and discovers that his own love of books begins to blossom along the way. This book contains so many literary references and even a hidden puzzle that will be great fun for young readers. Highly recommend!
alli_thebookgiraffe's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a fun read! i enjoyed trying to figure out the puzzle with them. it was most definitely a modern day willy wonka. Love Love Love!
rcpope's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
katdfleming's review against another edition
4.0
A truly fun book on so many levels! Can hardly wait to tell my students about it.
bessadams's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Bullying
alicebme's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook with the boy on our commute. Lots of title dropping in this scavenger hunt game made it fun for mom. Well-read son recognized a lot of them as well. Fairness and teamwork are major themes, and some diversity makes me kinda buy it. Always up for a book for kids NOT about a white boy and his minority sidekicks, but so it goes.