Rebel in the Library of Ever

The Library of Ever #2

by Zeno Alexander

The follow-up to Zeno Alexander’s acclaimed middle-grade fantasy The Library of Ever features a dangerous takeover of the magical Library as our heroine fights to make knowledge free for everyone.

Lenora returns to the magical Library—which holds every book ever known on its shelves. But she discovers the Library is under new management, its incredible rooms and corridors turned dark and sinister.

She quickly connects with a secret resistance that’s trying to free knowledge from the shadows threatening it. Her new friends introduce her to an ancient lost city, hang-gliding, and mathematical beings larger than the universe itself. And they help her face the mysterious Board of new leaders—who are leading the Library into darkness.

Now it’s up to Lenora to prove that knowledge is always more powerful than ignorance and fear.

An Imprint Book

Praise for The Library of Ever:

“Unusually clever.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Zeno Alexander's The Library of Ever reads like someone mixed Neil Gaiman with Chris Grabenstein, then threw in an extra dash of charm. Reading it is like getting lost in an entire library full of books, and never wanting to leave!”
—James Riley, New York Times bestselling author of the Story Thieves series

“Full of whimsy and pluck, The Library of Ever is a total delight!”
—Wendy Mass, New York Times bestselling author

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Young Adult, Audiobook

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2020

Reviews

[Beth Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a galley via NetGalley.

I adored Zeno Alexander’s first middle grade novel set in the astounding Library of Ever, and I am thrilled to make the return trip. Lenora’s first adventure through the zany library lead to her discovery of the value of truth and knowledge, and that they must be protected against dark forces that want to censor and destroy. This new volume is no less enthralling. Lenora is now 12 and embodied with more confidence. When she discovers one of her local librarians is being fired—victim of the board’s budget cuts—she quickly crosses to the Library of Ever, where she finds similar turmoil and woe. As she tries to help patrons find answers in the absence of librarians, we learn about the largest number, the ancient city of Cahokia, and even about Ada Lovelace, all in a way that is wacky and fun.

The overall theme about the importance of libraries and the perils of censorship and greedy for-profit library administrators is kept fun, never preachy. This series continues to shine with a verve and passion that I can’t help but love.

[Kelly Lyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

shocked to see a sexist quote on page 169.
" she's lying, said a man who had Leonora's left wrist. "you know how females are".

not only the words are disturbing, but how the man is holding the Leonora's wrist. There was no consequences of this action or debate against the statement.

Also the director is Donald Trump... YOU'RE FIRED! so whiney about things not going his way and people not bowing to his every need. Thinking he is the greatest and smartest when he is the biggest idiot in the whole book or in this case the universe.

[Jaimie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited over a week to write this review, which seems to have been a mistake, as I remember almost nothing about the plot of this. What I do remember is that the formatting improves on the choppy, episodic nature of the first book, but loses the magic of Lenora learning about the magical library.

Also, unlike the first book which had adventures involving robots and ninjas and talking animals, a lot of Lenora's adventures this time around have to do with theoretical math...which, uh, eww. (I did not become a librarian because of my passion for math, let me tell you.) Because of this, and the heavy handed good vs. evil elements, this installment may be a tougher sell for kids.

3 stars

[Wendy Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the action, the good vs. evil was too heavy-handed and not nuanced enough for me. I always appreciate books about libraries and librarians, but the line "Some books exist that are not meant to educate, or entertain, or illuminate. They are meant to spread fear, lies, and hatred, and when read by those who do not understand their true purpose, they can be deadly things indeed," goes against the library code of ethics. Yep, I realize it's a fantasy novel, but I think it's important to represent librarians as the protectors of all knowledge, even that which we vehemently disagree with.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had hopes this book would show us more about the home life of Lenora (I felt like a loose end/cliff hanger was left at the end of book #1) but this book just continued on as if there was no conflict. I liked the imaginative world and love libraries, but without a character arc to show growth of Lenora, this book also fell flat for me. The writing is excellent as far as the humor, and this is what kept me reading.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interest Level: 3-6

What lengths would you go to in order to save what you love? Would you fight the evil forces in hopes that good will win? Lenora has been away for over a year from the magical library that she loves so much. She has been patiently waiting to go back and when her chance finally comes she is so excited, that is until she gets there and everything has changed. The library is under a new director and all of the books are gone and replaced with books about how wonderful the new director is. Lenora is shocked to find the shelves empty, the librarians have been fired, and her mentor has been demoted. Lenora has been given the mission to take down the new leadership but she is just one girl. How can she do this on her own? She meets a young girl named "Lucy" (this is not her real name but I promise you will find out her true name) who happens to be the new Director's daughter. Lenora and Lucy go on an epic adventure to try and save the library, and along the way they meet some very unlikely people and creatures that become an invaluable source of power and friendship. Can Lenora battle the evil forces that are ruling the library and bring the books back before they are destroyed? Can she save the librarians jobs or are they kicked out of the library forever? And most importantly, in the mist of all of this can she fulfill the vow that she promised to always strive to find an answer for any patron? Read the exciting second book to The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander to find out if Lenora is successful or if the library falls to ruins forever!

I absolutely love this book series because, of course, I am a librarian. I love Lenora's passion for books and knowledge and her bravery to fight for what is right! This book is full of fantasy, magic, action, adventure, true friendship, and the hunger for knowledge. Do not miss this second book (and I'm really hoping it is not the last one) in The Library of Ever​ series!

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[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I had such high expectations for this book because I loved the first book “The Library of Ever”. While I still loved it overall, it was not as good as the first book.

Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed reading this one! It was high on action and adventure. The story-line was darker and more serious compared to the previous book. Lenora has grown up and become even more strong and confident. I loved her friendship with Lucy! Lucy is a bit annoying at first, but she grew on me and I thought she made the perfect friend for Lenora. There is a lot of science fiction elements which I enjoyed. The villains are darker and conniving and I was wondering how the story would turn out. I also loved how the author references the villains to the real life governments and corporations who force libraries to shut down due to lack of funding.

However, the main reason I could not enjoy this book was due to the lack of fun facts. Don’t get me wrong. There are still some fun facts where we learn about Googology, Wu Zetian and the Chinese character, and the Library of Alexandria. However, the facts were numerology based and there wasn’t as broad as the ones in the first book. I felt the story was more focused on the adventure and less on the trivia. Due to this, I did not feel the same spark as I did with the previous book.

Nevertheless, the story is a lot of fun to read. The book can be read without reading the previous one. But I encourage everyone to read the first book because in my opinion, it was better than this story.

[Jadey (the Bookish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

This series has elements I absolutely adore, foremost being how in every other chapter you're bound to learn something new. Reading this makes me feel the excitement of learning something new, of being curious like only a child knows how to be. Which I think is something brilliant to awaken in younger readers.

However I did prefer the first book to this sequel, as I found the plot to just not be quite as tight and there didn't seem to be any character growth in the character of Lenora.

I really do hope that Zeno Alexander writes more books in this series though because I'd love to have more adventures in the Library of Ever!

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was much better put together than the first book. It had a good plot and stuck to it. But it just wasn't anything special. There's a lot of undertones about banned books, bad books, and "dark forces" that I just didn't care for.
I also hate it when they imply a character of the books wrote the book they are in, but that's just a pet peeve.

[Amr Nabil · Rating 4 out of 5]

'For on her chest over her heart was a new badge, a badge with words that were simple but summed up everything:
Lenora - Librarian

And she knew, she knew ...
SHE WOULD ALWAYS BE BACK!'

[Rachel M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book! It is excellent! Though the ending is not what I was hoping for. The end of this book makes it sound like another book comes after.

[J.J. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! Like the first one, it’s super smart and super fun. Great for young readers, or a great read-aloud.

[Adeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel in the library of ever is a mind-catching, inspiring story of an eleven-years old librarian who works in not just any library; but in The Library. And just by making some small choices, she can change the fate of the entire Library... for the better.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS (I really want Goodreads to update this option).

Rebel in the Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander, and the first book in the series, The Library of Ever, are the cutest books I have read in a long time. Both are great, but the second, Rebel, is so full of love: love of knowledge, love of truth, love of friendship, love of libraries. I want to live/work/play in this library! It is the ULTIMATE library, and I want it to really exist.

The premise that Zeno Alexander is telling the main character's life story is a premise seen in Middle Grade fiction, but it is an effective one. Lenora is a privileged, white, upper-class little girl who has dreams beyond her prescribed life. In the first book, Lenora sneaks away from a careless nanny and discovers The Library, where she works her way up the library system ladder, helping patrons along the way. In the second book, the reader is back with Lenora, who was sent back to the "real" world to grow up a bit. But, as Lenora finds out, a librarian's job is never done.

There is a main lesson at the heart of the book, all told through the guise of kooky adventure after kooky adventure. The morality of light vs. dark, good vs. evil, is in each page, with the real hero being knowledge itself. Lenora is a rascally and strong main character, one both boys and girls would root for throughout her many tales. While it is plot heavy, the reader learns about Lenora, and our real world, through each "lesson". Upper elementary kids will love the fun hijinks, while middle grade kids will enjoy the over-arching battle for intellectual freedom (believe me, kids want to be told the truth and given facts; intellectual freedom is right in their wheel-house).

A love letter to librarians, libraries, and books themselves, Rebel in the Library of Ever is a wonderfully intelligent, funny, and heartfelt book. A book that many kids, and adults, will enjoy. It definitely made me proud to be a librarian!

[JPL Children’s Department · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book and this was a great sequel! Lenora is a strong main character, literally fighting to save the beloved library from losing free knowledge for everyone. I highly recommend it! -MZ

[Sammie · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here

Many thanks to Edelweiss and Sourcebooks for Young Readers for a review copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I confess that when I read the first book, The Library of Ever, I didn’t love it. I was pretty lukewarm on it, but still gave it three stars because the ending seemed to have promise for the series, and it did feature a lot of things I think it’s important for kids to see in books. This one, though? I felt like it took a wrong turn somewhere.

Rebel in the Library of Ever is a book about books, in which the main setting is a library, the heroes are pre-teen children, and there’s a focus on learning and STEM.

While I can definitely appreciate what this book is trying to do, I think it fell a bit short of its goal. There were so many subplots that it was hard to keep track of the actual plot, and the story felt very episodic, without anything really tying the mini episodes together.

My Thoughts:

- I can’t completely tell who the target audience for this is. The simplistic writing makes me think it’s younger MG, but at the same time, there are a lot of big words, and the writing is oddly formal, in a way that seems like it would turn off younger MG readers. I noticed this over and over again, where instead of taking the path of least resistance as far as simple wording, the sentences get a little convoluted. Combine that with clunky dialogue that sounds nothing like any 12-year-old (ish?) that I’ve met, and add to that the fact that, for some reason, the prose doesn’t use any contractions, and this contemporary (or maybe slightly futuristic) book sounds a bit stuffy.

- There’s a new character introduced, Lucy, and she was quite a lot of fun. Unlike Lenora, she isn’t the bookish sort. She doesn’t read very often (or at all, really), and she doesn’t see the merits of the library. I thought her addition was great! While it’s nice to see the library from Lenora’s perspective, it’s not quite the same as seeing someone discover the wonders of it for the first time, so it presented an interesting new dynamic, I thought.

- Like the first book, this one felt extremely episodic, to the point where it was hard to find the plot between all the subplots. The subplots are cute as far as teaching kids random facts … but it’s just that: random facts. The book opens with the entirely realistic situation of a boy and his mother asking the librarian what the largest number is, because the boy doesn’t think his mother’s answer of infinity is right. Which … there are soooo many debates that could be had around this, especially considering the answer that Lenora decides is “right” instead of infinity. My point is, given the contemporary nature of this book, it’d be nice to come up with an actual question a librarian might be asked that’s hard to google. Unfortunately, since this specific question was the main focus Lenora had for quite a while, this meant suffering through several chapters of math concepts, and if you learn anything at all about me, it’s that I hate math. This would be great for kids who like math, but again … who’s the target here? The writing sounds like it’s meant for younger MG readers, and I’m not sure they’re going to be able to wrap their minds around a googol (a one with a hundred zeroes) or TREE(3). Or I’m not sure they’re going to care. The first book, I felt, had some fun random facts, at least, but this one’s focus on math just completely lost me.

- The Big Bad for this book is a combination of the new director of the library and the board of directors, and as someone who works in a library, that’s a bit disappointing. I’ll tell you right now: my director is fabulous. The library probably wouldn’t exist without her continually fighting for it. Same for our board of directors, who are always in and out of the library and have fought hard for it. So to have a book set in a library, espousing the wonders and magic of libraries, but then to make the director and board of directors the Big Bad was really disappointing to me. That’s definitely not the message I want to send to kids.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What lengths would you go to in order to save what you love? Would you fight the evil forces in hopes that good will win? Lenora has been away for over a year from the magical library that she loves so much. She has been patiently waiting to go back and when her chance finally comes she is so excited, that is until she gets there and everything has changed. The library is under a new director and all of the books are gone and replaced with books about how wonderful the new director is. Lenora is shocked to find the shelves empty, the librarians have been fired, and her mentor has been demoted. Lenora has been given the mission to take down the new leadership but she is just one girl. How can she do this on her own? She meets a young girl named "Lucy" (this is not her real name but I promise you will find out her true name) who happens to be the new Director's daughter. Lenora and Lucy go on an epic adventure to try and save the library, and along the way they meet some very unlikely people and creatures that become an invaluable source of power and friendship. Can Lenora battle the evil forces that are ruling the library and bring the books back before they are destroyed? Can she save the librarians jobs or are they kicked out of the library forever? And most importantly, in the mist of all of this can she fulfill the vow that she promised to always strive to find an answer for any patron? Read the exciting second book to The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander to find out if Lenora is successful or if the library falls to ruins forever!

I absolutely love this book series because, of course, I am a librarian. I love Lenora's passion for books and knowledge and her bravery to fight for what is right! This book is full of fantasy, magic, action, adventure, true friendship, and the hunger for knowledge. Do not miss this second book (and I'm really hoping it is not the last one) in The Library of Ever​ series!

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Rebel in the Library of Ever

Author: Zeno Alexander

Book Series: The Library of Ever Book 2

Rating: 3/5

Recommended For...: MG fans!

Publication Date: April 28, 2020

Genre: MG Fantasy

Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments, some details and words that might need explaining)

Publisher: Imprint

Pages: 224

Synopsis: Lenora returns to the magical Library—which holds every book ever known on its shelves. But she discovers the Library is under new management, its incredible rooms and corridors turned dark and sinister.

She quickly connects with a secret resistance that’s trying to free knowledge from the shadows threatening it. Her new friends introduce her to an ancient lost city, hang-gliding, and mathematical beings larger than the universe itself. And they help her face the mysterious Board of new leaders—who are leading the Library into darkness.

Now it’s up to Lenora to prove that knowledge is always more powerful than ignorance and fear.

Review: Overall, I thought this was a great MG book. I loved the attention on libraries and I loved the character development and how fun the book was. The world building was also amazing and the book was well paced.

However, the book is weirdly written. The writing is sometimes targeted for younger kids, but then the writing gets stiff and formal and there are a lot of words and topics that a younger MG audience might not be able to decipher. The book is also the second in a series, which I didn’t realize when I jumped into it. You need some details from the first book, but you can get through this one pretty good without.

Verdict: Cute book!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are two super-short, fun, lower science-fantasy middle grade reads perfect for rounding out your summer reading!

Book 2: Rebel in the Library of Ever. After completing her mission, attaining the title of Librarian, and exiting the library in the first book, Lenora spends what feels like ages looking for the portal at the IRL library again, but it just never seems to appear. Then one day she spies a crying librarian carrying a box of her things out of the library. She's been sacked, she has nothing else to lose, and she lets Lenora in.

The Forces of Darkness have clearly been at work, all this time, and they're putting in overtime.

Malachi's been demoted, but at least she's still there, hanging on. Most of the other librarians are gone. The books are gone from the shelves. The light is shrouded in darkness. Constantly broadcasting screens proclaim the library Director has "turned the library around" for the "better," of course, and it's "turning a profit" for the first time. (shudder)

Lenora meets the Director's young daughter, who fiercely believes her Daddy is an excellent library Director, but she's bored senseless with nothing to do in the empty, dark rooms and hallways. Lenora drags her along as she susses out what's happened to the Library, finds a safe space where the Forces won't follow and the remaining rebellious librarians can meet and strategize, and finally takes on the three worst forces of Ignorance.

This was a fun romp and conclusion to the first book, and a great way to end your summer reading. Enjoy!

Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?

Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is now a year later. In the past year, Lenora has been going to the library every day, hoping to find the door which leads to the other library. But so far, she has been unsuccessful. Today, however, Lenora is trying to help a young library patron find the answer to his question (what is the largest number?) when she finds herself back in the Library of Ever. Though she is excited to be back, Lenora immediately notices that something is wrong.

When she finds the Chief Answerer, whose position is now Assistant Answerer, for reasons unknown, Malachi gives her an assignment - go help the young patron in the Philosophy room. When Lenora gets there, she finds that young patron and begins piecing together the puzzle of what is wrong with the Library. But, will she be able to save the library, or will the forces of darkness win?

This was another fun adventure, complete with various lessons on very large numbers. Accompanying Lenora on her adventure this time is Lucy, who is delighted to be learning so many things but is also becoming increasingly concerned about the other beings in the library. For a new character, Lucy's personality was well-developed, and I enjoyed her addition to the book. If there are more books in the series, I hope to see Lucy again.

Emily Lawrence's performance was very enjoyable, just as in the first book. I do hope the author writes more books about Lenora's adventures in the Library of Ever. And there are surely more stories to be written, for I seriously doubt that the forces of darkness are giving up just yet.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lenora finally gets to return to the Library, but when she arrives she finds that most of the librarians have been fired, there's a new Director, and the forces of darkness are taking over and getting rid of books. Malachi is still around, and points Lenora in the direction to help save the Library, though most of it will be up to Lenora and the help she can round up as she goes.

I like that as Lenora adventures she learns a variety of things to help various patrons and herself. You learn about huge numbers, ancient libraries, and the principles of flight along with other things. It's sneakily educational; the perfect read for sponges of random facts. I like that the author (whose name on this series is a pseudonym; it makes sense after reading this book) had Lenora adventure with the Director's daughter to give him some depth and help Lenora learn how to bring truth in tactful ways to others. This was a fun adventure, and the series feels complete enough to be done but open enough there could be more adventures if the author is inspired. Hand this to library lovers, curious readers, and adventure/scifi fans.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There's some ill intent and perilous situations, but everyone ends up ok and things are resolved nonviolently.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read even more book reviews at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile.com

This is a fun book that explores the word of libraries with a fun fantasy twist. The second book in the series Rebel in the Library of Ever, follows Lenora who is a librarian, but with a certain twist. The world of libraries in this series is much more complex than you think. They have special powers and the library itself has many magical qualities. The library is put at risk when darker forces are trying to take over the library and change it for their own benefits.

I really enjoy how the parts of the library open up new doors to other worlds (literally and figuratively). When a patron has a question for the librarian they are unable to answer it turns into a greater quest for knowledge. They get to interact with other beings/librarians to help them solve the questions. I haven’t read the first book in the series but i found it easy to follow along with. It’s a great middle grade novel that gets kids and adults alike excited about libraries and books!

Overall I thought this was such a fun book! It was exciting and full of action. It has a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked in into the story. I would continue reading this series for sure!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

11 year old Lenora, a 2nd apprentice Librarian, faces the forces of evil led by fear, lies and hate in this sequel. If it weren’t for the wonder equated with the Library and Librarians in the original Library of Ever story, one would not be able to grasp how Lenora hopes of ever overcoming the insurmountable odds against her Library. All of the books are gone, replaced by a plethora of new books written by a single author: the new director of the Library. The very same director responsible for removing the Library collection and firing the good librarians. As she goes about trying to counter this new director she discovers something the director himself doesn’t know and isn’t willing to accept. His new vision for the library was never his. Fear, lies and hate manipulated him into destroying what he only wanted to improve upon. Instead of making things better he nearly ruined everything. Fortunately Lenora showed up to save the day. That and to befriend the directors own daughter who she recruits to help keep books full of fear, lies and hate from being intermixed into the restored Library collection. Not exactly C.S. Lewis level quality but, for a goofy kids story, surprisingly uplifting and inspiring.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not perfect, and I can see why some folks don't like these. But they clicked for me. I do think that they would have worked better as a single book, though, as they are so short and basically tell only one story. I think this is more polished and original than the first, too, though.

Anyway, minor quibble. Minor highlight, read the 'do not steal' verses on the copyright page of each.

Of note: I find the Director to resemble a certain orange-haired boss, and the satire to be awfully pointed. Of course, he's not the only person to exhibit that kind of behavior, or to have that kind of personality. But of course Lenora's address to him is perfect:

"I hated you. And it was one of the most awful feelings I've every had. How terrible it must be for you to feel that same way all the time. I'm very sorry for you."

I do feel that the monsters were exaggerated. I don't think most people who censor books are evil, but just very misguided.

Well, I dunno to whom I'd recommend this 2 book series. All of you? But I know that some of you didn't care for the first. Eh, give it a try if it's readily avl. to you.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first in this series so long ago that I can't remember it to compare to its sequel. I remember liking it and being happy with some of the obscure facts I picked up while reading. I can say the same thing for this installment. I can also say that I feel this one had a parody character of a certain political someone that happens to be...here these days. A "director" who is completely ruining the Library by "running it as a business", claiming to be the smartest and the best, removing legitimate information and replacing it with his self-written books about being super rich and the best, and prone to childish temper tantrums. Sound like anyone? I think in the era of fake news and increasing access to information (regardless of whether that information is true), books like this are important. Maybe I'm totally reading something into this that the author didn't intend, but I just feel like a lesson was being laid out here.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lenora is back in the Library but nothing is as it was. The Forces of Darkness have taken over and what's worse some of the patrons approve of the changes. Books are no longer on the shelves and the truth is being hidden by the false librarians of darkness.
The Library's only hope is Lenora and her inner strength. She is on a mission - save the Library, find a young girl (making sure only ever tells her the truth-no matter what), find an ancient librarian named Zenodotus. All while battling the Forces. Oh, and then there is the small matter of finding the largest known number for a young patron. All in a day's work for a librarian.

I actually listened to this book through the audio edition (which isn't on GoodReads yet) and Emily Lawrence's narration is fabulous.

I have to say I'm hoping for a third Library of Ever book, as there are sure to be more adventures and questions in Lenora's future! And be on the lookout for a suspicious Koala.

[Ella K · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH A GOOD 2nd book. Oh, my freaking gosh. This book is so amazing and so complex... like wow. I love how much Lenora has grown, and I love how much confidence she has throughout the book.
She like, is my model. We should all strive to be like her. She is kind, confident, a great leader, a great problem solver, and smart.
She also handles problems VERY well. I mean, I would be so scared and stressed about what she's going through, but she handles it with such ease and perfection... even making friends with people that are weird and kinda cool
This book is full of flavor and adventure. I love how she is learning karate and basically is embodying the perfect person... well not exactly. I mean, everyone has her flaws. And she has to chase a super cute, super evil koala. But everyone got their flaws, right?
Either way, this book is super good 100% should check it out. It is a sequel though, so be sure to read the first book!

[Ashley]

Rebel in the Library of Ever is much darker than its predecessor but still readable for younger audiences. Lenora returns to The Library of Ever to find it completely different. Librarians have been fired by the new board and the new director. There are fewer books on the shelves and more computers. Something that I noticed and thought that this book did very well was that it discussed a system that had been broken and needed to be restored to what it once was. I loved how Lenora befriends the director's daughter and others that she meets in the library, and helps some old friends too. While this book was darker, it was still a fun and enjoyable read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd in the series and even more audacious in its delivery and promise of a powerful and satisfying read. I want to read these all over again. I want to be the kind of Librarian like Malachi inspires others to be. I want to contend for my patrons and seek out knowledge. I love libraries! I LOVE books that pitch for libraries and knowledge and reading! Thank you Alexander for making this a smart, fun, and dangerous adventure.

Knowledge is light and danger, sometimes. Once you read something, it becomes a part of you; if you share that knowledge with others, look how the world becomes empowered! See how the light grows and continues to shine. Lenora carried that light, through her love of the Library and her love of learning, and her determination to do the right thing (it sounds cliched but it is true here). I love the strength in the characters and in this series.

[Tatyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

After an intolerably long time, Lenora is back in the Library of Ever. But something is different. Well, actually, everything is different. The shelves are empty, librarians are being fired, and there’s a new director in charge. Lenora has to use her librarian training to find out what’s going on and fix it fast. Perhaps because there was less world building, this book was more focused than The Library of Ever. The short adventures that made up the first Library of Ever book were still there, but this time they seemed to flow easier.The stakes were higher for Lenora and her friends, making this a fast-paced ride. One of the rare times a sequel is better than the original. I’d recommend this to kids in grades 3 and up.