Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

October 1, 2015
Can the hometown champions defeat teams from around the country in a new contest at Mr. Lemoncello's fantastic library? Responding to millions of requests, the visionary library-builder organizes a new competition, a "duodecimalthon" of 12 library-related games. The action in this engaging sequel begins slowly with a stage-setting introduction of the characters and the incredible library in Alexandria, Ohio, for readers who didn't devour Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (2013). But once the contestants have gathered and the Olympics-styled games begin, puns, puzzles, and book references come thick and fast. Suspense builds: Mr. Lemoncello's dream is in danger, and Kyle Keeley and his eighth-grade teammates have formidable rivals. This celebration of libraries, librarians, books, and the right to read doesn't quite have the exuberance of the first, perhaps because it is so carefully constructed to make the author's point. But it has characters with encyclopedic knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System and popular children's books, and it has Mr. Lemoncello's lavish costumes, inventive games, and beyond state-of-the-art technology. The plot twists and turns before the appropriately satisfying end. Grabenstein obligingly provides a long list of good books to read (mentioned in the text) and challenges readers to find the sources of the quotations from banned books embedded in the narrative. Dewey like this? Of course, and so will upper-elementary and middle school readers and gamers alike. (Fiction. 9-14)

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December 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-After receiving a million requests from fellow book lovers, billionaire game maker Luigi Lemoncello launches a Library Olympics open to kids all over the country to challenge the reigning literature-loving champions of Alexandria, OH. The sequel to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (Random, 2013) pits teams of four middle schoolers from seven different geographical regions against the reigning hometown favorites, led by Kyle Keeley. The games feature a duodecimalthon of 12 challenging library-related games, from solving Dewey-related rebus puzzles to identifying banned books, all taking place in the ultra-modern, technologically advanced Lemoncello Library. The grand prize is an all-expenses paid college scholarship, plus bragging rights. Before long, however, mysterious events threaten to jeopardize the Olympics and the library itself-books are disappearing from the shelves, and some groups or individuals may be to blame, as not everyone is a fan of the sparkling new library. Kyle and his teammates must band together with the rival teams to outwit those intent on bringing Lemoncello and the library down. Dewey Decimal aficionados, bibliophiles, and gamers will all find something to savor while trying to decipher the clues in this fast-paced sequel. At the end of the book, Grabenstein challenges kids to find quotes from banned books within the novel and to read the extensive list of titles mentioned throughout the story. VERDICT This is a successful blend of mystery, adventure, and suspense, with a sizable cast of characters, in a wholly satisfying sequel that easily stands alone.-Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2015
Grades 4-7 Mr. Lemoncello returns in this game-filled sequel to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (2013). Kyle Keeley and his teammates are famous for winning Mr. Lemoncello's first library game, but library-lovers from all over are demanding a rematch. So, the eccentric Mr. Lemoncello creates the Lemoncello Library Olympics. This game combines all sorts of book-, research-, and library-related challenges, but when books from the library start to disappear, the library champions have another puzzle to solve. This action-packed sequel is sure to delight fans of the first book, and readers will love having a chance to visit the incredible and idiosyncratic Lemoncello library again. Grabenstein uses clever writing and plot twists to teach readers about research, the Dewey Decimal System, and the library as a community center. He also tackles banned books and shows readers how they can support the freedom to read. Another winning love letter to libraries and librarians that is sure to leave readers looking at their own library in a new light. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Best-selling and critically acclaimed, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library was something of a publishing sensation. Its sequel will draw a crowd.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)