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protoman21's review
5.0
I swear that Chris Grabenstein wrote this book specifically for me. I am a librarian who loves puzzles and games and has created several scavenger hunt/puzzle games for the kids who visit my library. I love children's books and have read most of the ones mentioned in this book. Not only was the idea for the story perfect for me, but the plotting and the pacing of the story was very well developed. The characters were interesting without being caricatures and the literary references were cleverly placed without being confusing for those not in the know. If I didn't already think that this story was customized for me, Grabenstein throws in a reference to Graeme Base's amazing picture/puzzle book The Eleventh Hour that I devoured when I was twelve years old. Comparisons to Willy Wonka are inevitable, and though Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library might not become the classic that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is, I enjoyed it just as much, and I especially appreciate the message to the next generation that libraries are still useful and reading will always be an adventure that you can never imagine.
brendalovesbooks's review
3.0
I'm giving this 3 stars because I think for its intended age, it's probably pretty good. Personally, I think it's more like a 2 star book. I thought this would be better than it was. I love libraries (I work in one), but this was not really a library. I mean, sure there were books there, but it was just so over the top. These kids (some of them anyway) seemed to know every book that was ever written. I found it completely unrealistic. I am and always have been an avid reader, and I shelve books at the library, but I wouldn't be able to list every book by multiple authors like they did.
I think it's more for puzzle and game lovers, actually. That's the part I found most enjoyable; trying to figure out the puzzles.
I think it's more for puzzle and game lovers, actually. That's the part I found most enjoyable; trying to figure out the puzzles.
edshara's review
3.0
This book was fun. What bookworm wouldn't want a behind the scenes look at a new, high-tech library?
The book has a lot of characters, all exhibiting various personalities, that made the book interesting. I liked how Kyle went from slacker to responsible team leader. It was also nice to see how his relationship with reading changed.
The author does a good job of focusing on friendship, teamwork, and honesty. The majority of the characters understood the importance of these traits and it was interesting to see how they arrived to conclusions and made decisions.
While the competition in the book, as well as, the puzzles were well thought out, I think their were other aspects of the book that were underdeveloped. I know this book features a library but the "book name dropping" was a tad excessive. Overall though, this was a quick and easy read. I would definitely be interested in reading the next book in the series.
The book has a lot of characters, all exhibiting various personalities, that made the book interesting. I liked how Kyle went from slacker to responsible team leader. It was also nice to see how his relationship with reading changed.
The author does a good job of focusing on friendship, teamwork, and honesty. The majority of the characters understood the importance of these traits and it was interesting to see how they arrived to conclusions and made decisions.
While the competition in the book, as well as, the puzzles were well thought out, I think their were other aspects of the book that were underdeveloped. I know this book features a library but the "book name dropping" was a tad excessive. Overall though, this was a quick and easy read. I would definitely be interested in reading the next book in the series.
schmetterly's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lalicia_ann's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
megpancoast's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
tmathews0330's review
5.0
I think this speaks to the fact that libraries are working to keep up with the times. While DVD rentals and free music downloads might not be quite as forward thinking as Mr. Lemoncello's library, there is growth. This book takes everything a step farther, illuminating the possibilities of a library. It has a fast pace to keep young readers entertained, puzzles to at least temporarily baffle even adult readers. Most of all, it is just plain fun...a concept that steps outside the realm of ordinary.
the_herbal_carnivore's review
Well, my children really enjoyed it. I read to my girls for our bed time read-aloud; it was my first and last time I'll be reading one of these. The languaging, the characters, the tone. I didn't enjoy much of it at all. The only thing I did think was a good idea was the giant game to escape the library. The concept was good, delivery not so much.