Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Reviewed by Lori
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Title: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Author: Chris Grabenstein

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 69703

Description:  Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games.  His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library.  Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food and lots and lots of games.  But when morning comes, the doors remain locked.  Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route.  And the stakes are very high.

Rubric Rating: Level 4: Love it!  (Really top marks!)

Why Did I Read It:  This book had such a fantastic title that I had to read it!  Who would ever want to escape a library?

Lori's Notes:  Loved, Loved, Loved this Novel!  The title is what originally piqued my interest and the book did not disappoint.   Kyle Keeley loves games, but he really especially loves games by Mr. Lemoncello.  A master game maker and former resident of Alexandriaville, Ohio.   As an investment in the town and its children (having been without a library for the past 12 years) all 12 year olds are invited to participate in a contest to win a night in the library.   Kyle, as well as several of his friends and classmates are the lucky winners of the contest and are not disappointed by their experience.  However, when morning comes, the doors to the library don’t open.  It turns out the kids have an opportunity to win an even bigger prize if they chose to participate in this new game.  While some students decide not to participate and gladly accept “parting gifts,” others choose to stay including protagonist Kyle, the shy and bookish Sierra, the ingratiating and manipulative Charles, and popular good-looking Haylee.  With the clock set, the contestants decide to either work individually or in teams and find a variety of ways to complete the puzzles to solve the clues to escape the library.  I thought the character development was good for the book and the target age group.  Kyle is a class clown who can really hold his own as a leader, Charles is seen for the person he truly is behind people’s backs, when given an opportunity shy Sierra comes out of her shell, and Haylee is more than just a pretty face.   I loved the whole story from plot, to characters, to setting.  

 Recommended Reader:  I would recommend this book to any reader!  There is also an “extra” puzzle at the end of the book for those readers who love puzzles to solve.   Fantastic for individual reading or reading aloud and a great book for reluctant readers!  Grades 3 and up.

 Themes: Games, Puzzles, Board Games, Mystery, Escape, Friendship, Libraries, Books and Reading, Character Development, Trust, Honesty, Kindness, Fair Play.  

 Cross-Genre Links:
Movie: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Movie: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)
Media Search: History of Board Games
Music: Name of the Game by Abba
Music: Games People Play by Alan Parsons Project

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics: 

  • Do you think Kyle was cheating when he sent his "improved" essay directly to Mr. Lemoncello?
  • What sort of games do you like to play? Why?
  • How many different books (either by title or description) can you find in this book?
  • Which character do you most relate to?  Why?
  • Research your local library.  When was it built?  Who built it?  What sort of programs do they have?  How often do you go?  What is your favourite section?  Plan a field trip to talk to a librarian!  Or find a new book to read!
  • What is your favourite book?  Describe the book and why you like it to the rest of the class.

 Other Titles by Chris Grabenstein:

Haunted Places Mysteries:

Riley Mack:

Co-Authored with James Patterson:


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