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Mr. Lemoncello's Library #4
Mr. Lemoncello's All-Star Breakout Game
Can you find your way out of what James Patterson calls the "coolest library in the world"? Kyle Keeley and his friends face their biggest challenge yet when Mr. Lemoncello goes LIVE with his first-ever televised BREAKOUT game!
From the coauthor of I Funny and Max Einstein--and with 100+ weeks on the New York Times bestseller list--the LEMONCELLO books are laugh-out-loud, puzzle-packed MUST-READS for homes and classrooms across America.
Mr. Lemoncello is leaving the library and going LIVE across the nation with his latest game. Kyle can't wait to audition, but only a lucky few will get to compete in front of millions of viewers in a completely immersive new breakout game--with real kids as the playing pieces! Nothing is ever as it seems with Mr. Lemoncello, and the clock is ticking! Can Kyle and his friends crack the codes in time to win it all?
Don't miss the bonus puzzle in the back! Look for the rest of the puzzle-packed series --Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library , Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics , Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race , and Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket !
PRAISE FOR THE SERIES:
44 STATE AWARD LISTS AND COUNTING
100+ WEEKS ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST
* "A worthy successor to the original madman puzzle-master himself, Willy Wonka." -- Booklist , starred review
From the coauthor of I Funny and Max Einstein--and with 100+ weeks on the New York Times bestseller list--the LEMONCELLO books are laugh-out-loud, puzzle-packed MUST-READS for homes and classrooms across America.
Mr. Lemoncello is leaving the library and going LIVE across the nation with his latest game. Kyle can't wait to audition, but only a lucky few will get to compete in front of millions of viewers in a completely immersive new breakout game--with real kids as the playing pieces! Nothing is ever as it seems with Mr. Lemoncello, and the clock is ticking! Can Kyle and his friends crack the codes in time to win it all?
Don't miss the bonus puzzle in the back! Look for the rest of the puzzle-packed series --Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library , Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics , Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race , and Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket !
PRAISE FOR THE SERIES:
44 STATE AWARD LISTS AND COUNTING
100+ WEEKS ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST
* "A worthy successor to the original madman puzzle-master himself, Willy Wonka." -- Booklist , starred review
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2019
684 people are currently reading
2691 people want to read
About the author
Chris Grabenstein
152 books2,441 followersCHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
May 20, 2019
I think a theme of this book is not to judge someone if you don't know much about them. This is because the characters learn what it is like in someone else's shoes. They learn why one character acts the way he does, even though they don't like him.
May 11, 2019
Kids need books that they can relate to and see themselves in. As much as classics are needed, so are current books. Grabensteins ability to weave in current books and authors keeps the reader (of all ages) engaged. It almost makes me feel like I’m part of an inside joke when I get to a mention and say, I’ve read that one! This one has a great message of pushing yourself out of yourself out of your own comfort zone.
June 17, 2019
This was probably my favorite book in the Lemoncello series. It, like the first 3, had a whole lot of action, suspense, and drama. This one was a little different then the first 3, in the way it was written, and how all the information was distributed. But, in my opinion, that helped the book to be different, and fresh.
July 12, 2020
Okay, in this book's defense, I might have liked it more if I hadn't read it on the plane ride home from my college after it was abruptly closed due to coronavirus.
But this was by far my least favorite in the Lemoncello series. I love this series because of the fun library setting, and this book had less of that. The puzzles didn't feel as related to books as they felt in previous installments.
I watched the Lemoncello movie on Netflix a while back, and I remember complaining that it was completely disloyal to the books, favoring cinematic VR experiences over actual library-related shenanigans. This book reminded me of that. It didn't remind me how much I love reading. It made me wish I were playing video games.
I'm giving this three stars instead of two because it's not the book's fault I read it on a horrible day, not to mention that college students are probably not exactly target audience for this, but it was disappointing.
But this was by far my least favorite in the Lemoncello series. I love this series because of the fun library setting, and this book had less of that. The puzzles didn't feel as related to books as they felt in previous installments.
I watched the Lemoncello movie on Netflix a while back, and I remember complaining that it was completely disloyal to the books, favoring cinematic VR experiences over actual library-related shenanigans. This book reminded me of that. It didn't remind me how much I love reading. It made me wish I were playing video games.
I'm giving this three stars instead of two because it's not the book's fault I read it on a horrible day, not to mention that college students are probably not exactly target audience for this, but it was disappointing.
May 8, 2019
Wow! I'm a Mr. Lemoncello addict. I ordered the Kindle, print, and audio version a while ago so I'd have all options to read it on the first day!
I loved book #4. Other than the first, it is my favorite I think, although it's hard to choose! I think re-reading them all again is on my list now!
I enjoy puzzles, crazy jokes, word-play, made up words, and riddles in real life which is one reason I enjoy these books so much. I'm also a librarian and avid reader of all genres so I thoroughly enjoy the quotes from other books and how they are used as clues. The brilliance of how Grabenstein includes other books and authors into each book as the kids solve clues to escape the library never ceases to blow my mind. He is so creative and pulls everything together so well. The great thing about this, I believe, is it helps children learn more about other books that they may gain an interest in reading. From Captain Underpants, to Wonder, to Percy Jackson, to To Kill a Mockingbird, he uses quotes and authors from mixed genres and reading levels. Include the added conflicts and competition, it makes an exciting adventure, as well as educational opportunities for all ages! He is so well-read in a range of books and brings that all in so perfectly.
This was a unique book out of the four in a way though. Some may not enjoy it as much because the adventure in the library itself is a bit more basic than previous versions, and the competition doesn't feel quite as strong. The style and elements, adventurism and wonkiness are similar, but the ending provided one of the most powerful lessons our society needs to learn. I truly hope kids will take it to heart and apply it to their lives on an ongoing basis. In what is mostly a fun-filled, creative, wacky book, I actually got teary eyed at the end with how he used one of the best quotes from To Kill A Mockingbird, one of my all-time favorites, to help kids think. With bullying being so prevalent in our society, this was so important. It is something that hit home for me personally as something I always try to remember and remind others of, knowing I've been on the "underdog" side my entire life.
The All-Star Break Out Game brings back many of the same characters as previous books, but includes a unique twist with new characters as well. This event is shorter in that the kids only have 2 hours to escape this time. It's based on fiction instead of non-fiction, and the different styles of fiction are included throughout. This includes historical, comic books, sports, and horror. But, within each of those, Grabenstein includes elements from other fiction books such as characters from fantasy books, history books, and funny books. It gives readers a chance to appreciate all kinds of ideas from books and authors from current times to classics. But, in the end it has a great lesson too which is so powerful and could change society if seriously taken to heart and applied to daily life.
I also have a feeling this book leaves an opening for #5. I suppose Grabenstein is going to keep that under cover for a while, but I'll be on the lookout!
I loved book #4. Other than the first, it is my favorite I think, although it's hard to choose! I think re-reading them all again is on my list now!
I enjoy puzzles, crazy jokes, word-play, made up words, and riddles in real life which is one reason I enjoy these books so much. I'm also a librarian and avid reader of all genres so I thoroughly enjoy the quotes from other books and how they are used as clues. The brilliance of how Grabenstein includes other books and authors into each book as the kids solve clues to escape the library never ceases to blow my mind. He is so creative and pulls everything together so well. The great thing about this, I believe, is it helps children learn more about other books that they may gain an interest in reading. From Captain Underpants, to Wonder, to Percy Jackson, to To Kill a Mockingbird, he uses quotes and authors from mixed genres and reading levels. Include the added conflicts and competition, it makes an exciting adventure, as well as educational opportunities for all ages! He is so well-read in a range of books and brings that all in so perfectly.
This was a unique book out of the four in a way though. Some may not enjoy it as much because the adventure in the library itself is a bit more basic than previous versions, and the competition doesn't feel quite as strong. The style and elements, adventurism and wonkiness are similar, but the ending provided one of the most powerful lessons our society needs to learn. I truly hope kids will take it to heart and apply it to their lives on an ongoing basis. In what is mostly a fun-filled, creative, wacky book, I actually got teary eyed at the end with how he used one of the best quotes from To Kill A Mockingbird, one of my all-time favorites, to help kids think. With bullying being so prevalent in our society, this was so important. It is something that hit home for me personally as something I always try to remember and remind others of, knowing I've been on the "underdog" side my entire life.
The All-Star Break Out Game brings back many of the same characters as previous books, but includes a unique twist with new characters as well. This event is shorter in that the kids only have 2 hours to escape this time. It's based on fiction instead of non-fiction, and the different styles of fiction are included throughout. This includes historical, comic books, sports, and horror. But, within each of those, Grabenstein includes elements from other fiction books such as characters from fantasy books, history books, and funny books. It gives readers a chance to appreciate all kinds of ideas from books and authors from current times to classics. But, in the end it has a great lesson too which is so powerful and could change society if seriously taken to heart and applied to daily life.
I also have a feeling this book leaves an opening for #5. I suppose Grabenstein is going to keep that under cover for a while, but I'll be on the lookout!
July 8, 2019
Probably one favorite in the series.
Read
October 28, 2020This book was AWESOME. Awesome. The other books in the series was also really good. I think that the best part of this book is when Kyle's team stops chiligton because it shows that tehy actually care about the library and Mr. Lemoncello not just trying to win the prize and doesn't care about anything else.
October 20, 2021
It’s TV game show time for Kyle Keeley and other contestants on Limoncello’s new game show where they must solve codes and puzzles in an attempt to see which team will breakout as the winning team. A great and fun Limoncello read and even lets you join in on the puzzle cracking with some interactive puzzles. A- (91%/Excellent)
November 18, 2019
Very cute and funny. I personally liked the first 2 in the series better. This one had less of a focus on the reading and games and more on relationships. Still a fun read.
March 8, 2021
“Mr. Lemoncello's All-Star Breakout Game” is an exciting, fast-paced puzzle book that easily keeps the reader’s attention. Mr. Lemoncello is the owner of a mysterious library and enjoys hosting escape room games. He’s moving his latest game out of the library and into the television world with millions of viewers. Teams of young students compete to break out of the Fictionasium. After school, Kyle and his friends create a team and try out for Mr. Lemoncello’s game show. They win a spot on the game show but so does Charles Chiltington and his friends. Charles will do anything to stop Kyle and his team from winning, and he doesn’t always follow the rules. In the game show, the teams must learn to work together to escape rooms by solving locks and puzzles to ultimately escape the Fictionasium. Three teams end up competing and only one team can win.
I would strongly recommend this book to young people who like challenges, adventure, and entertainment. As a student, I found this book to be intriguing and more than just a fun read. It gives you a better understanding of how life isn’t always going to go your way. It shares the benefits of having diverse skills and unique thinking that can help a team to be successful. Even more, this book offers an opportunity to escape to a creative world that feels real.
I would strongly recommend this book to young people who like challenges, adventure, and entertainment. As a student, I found this book to be intriguing and more than just a fun read. It gives you a better understanding of how life isn’t always going to go your way. It shares the benefits of having diverse skills and unique thinking that can help a team to be successful. Even more, this book offers an opportunity to escape to a creative world that feels real.
May 10, 2019
Luigi Lemoncello returns to Alexandriaville, Ohio to launch a new contest, one in which the players compete in an interactive, three-dimensional game, courtesy of his newest invention, the Fictionasium. It is through the spectacular Fictionasium that the players become characters inside the fictional tale.
Utilizing this technology, Mr. Lemoncello has developed a game in which teams will compete, utilizing the Fictionasium, in five fiction genres in order to find the clues to solve riddles, unlock locks, and become the first to break out of the library . . . all in front of a live television audience.
Of course, seventh grader Kyle Keeley wants to play . . . and win . . . the game. Akimi, Sierra, Miguel, and Andrew join Kyle’s team but they’re facing some stiff competition, especially from fellow classmate Charles Chiltington who is still trying to make his father proud by winning . . . even if he must cheat to earn his dad’s approval.
But will detention stop Kyle before the game ever begins? Or will his team find a way to pass the audition and play the game? And what about Charles? Will he find a way to turn the game to his own advantage?
With all the expected characters in place, this fourth installment in the Lemoncello Library series is certain to delight fans of the series. The game, as always, has many facets, but this time there’s also an important, unexpected learning moment for Kyle [and the readers] that just might change the outcome of the game. That said, this new adventure, centers on the Kidzapalooza Network [the network where kids rule] and the spectacular prize: the possibility of winning a hosting gig on the network’s new game show.
The story has more twists and turns than a switchback mountain road, all designed to create non-stop action. The targeted middle grade audience will easily relate to Kyle and the other students; as always, there are references to a plethora of books they have probably read. [It’s one of the many highlights of the Lemoncello Library stories.] However, this enchanting tale is sure to delight readers of all ages. Don’t miss this one [or any of the other books in the series].
Highly recommended.
Utilizing this technology, Mr. Lemoncello has developed a game in which teams will compete, utilizing the Fictionasium, in five fiction genres in order to find the clues to solve riddles, unlock locks, and become the first to break out of the library . . . all in front of a live television audience.
Of course, seventh grader Kyle Keeley wants to play . . . and win . . . the game. Akimi, Sierra, Miguel, and Andrew join Kyle’s team but they’re facing some stiff competition, especially from fellow classmate Charles Chiltington who is still trying to make his father proud by winning . . . even if he must cheat to earn his dad’s approval.
But will detention stop Kyle before the game ever begins? Or will his team find a way to pass the audition and play the game? And what about Charles? Will he find a way to turn the game to his own advantage?
With all the expected characters in place, this fourth installment in the Lemoncello Library series is certain to delight fans of the series. The game, as always, has many facets, but this time there’s also an important, unexpected learning moment for Kyle [and the readers] that just might change the outcome of the game. That said, this new adventure, centers on the Kidzapalooza Network [the network where kids rule] and the spectacular prize: the possibility of winning a hosting gig on the network’s new game show.
The story has more twists and turns than a switchback mountain road, all designed to create non-stop action. The targeted middle grade audience will easily relate to Kyle and the other students; as always, there are references to a plethora of books they have probably read. [It’s one of the many highlights of the Lemoncello Library stories.] However, this enchanting tale is sure to delight readers of all ages. Don’t miss this one [or any of the other books in the series].
Highly recommended.
October 25, 2019
I hope this book isn't the last book of the series. It was so awesome!
December 31, 2019
4.5 stars, and I'm bumping up because I really enjoyed the whole series. Plus, I did stay up late to find out how this ends, so I must have been invested enough for that, lol. Overall, I would say that I enjoyed this much more than #3 and perhaps almost as much as the first two, but for different reasons. I think the lessons in this one are more developed, perhaps because Kyle himself has grown.
In this one, the theme of the book is "fiction" which is one of my favorite genres. But it is also about trying to see the world from another person's point of view, and not judge a person too harshly before you see what it's like to live in their shoes. It's about choosing compassion over revenge. I also liked the emphasis on using fiction as a way to learn about something new and perhaps about yourself as well. I loved that part of the competition was being challenged with your least favorite genre as Goodreads has done that for me in the past couple years. An example is that I have never been a fan of history and never thought I would enjoy historical fiction, but now I've found several examples of historical fiction that have made it on my favorites shelf!
The only thing I didn't like about this audiobook was the audio narration of Andrew Peckleman. He came off as particularly whiny and annoying, although I thought it was funny when he was forced to tell jokes. Sometimes Jesse's way of stating something puts pauses in odd places. Overall, I don't mind his narration and it does fit the story line. But these are minor complaints. I can still recommend this series without hesitation!
In this one, the theme of the book is "fiction" which is one of my favorite genres. But it is also about trying to see the world from another person's point of view, and not judge a person too harshly before you see what it's like to live in their shoes. It's about choosing compassion over revenge. I also liked the emphasis on using fiction as a way to learn about something new and perhaps about yourself as well. I loved that part of the competition was being challenged with your least favorite genre as Goodreads has done that for me in the past couple years. An example is that I have never been a fan of history and never thought I would enjoy historical fiction, but now I've found several examples of historical fiction that have made it on my favorites shelf!
The only thing I didn't like about this audiobook was the audio narration of Andrew Peckleman. He came off as particularly whiny and annoying, although I thought it was funny when he was forced to tell jokes. Sometimes Jesse's way of stating something puts pauses in odd places. Overall, I don't mind his narration and it does fit the story line. But these are minor complaints. I can still recommend this series without hesitation!
April 8, 2020
the forth Mr. Lemoncellos's Library Is a grand and splenderfousley fantastical book yes I am using big words like Charles Chiltington. PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 9, 2025
This is my second Lemoncello book, and must say that for a 65 plus woman, I bet I can enjoy it every bit as much as the young uns! In this book he returns to Alexandriaville, Ohio to start his new break out contest using his new invention called Fictionasium, in which five fiction genres are used to find the necessary clues to solve the riddles and open the necessary locks....all this in front of a live television audience.
Kyle Keeling, seventh grader, wants to play and win bad. Akima, Sierra, Miguel and Andrew join her team, knowingly facing some serious competition with classmate Charles Chiltington who is working so hard to make his Dad proud of his son...even to the point of cheating.
Detention becomes a curse for Kyle before the game ever starts. Hopefully they can find a way that gets them through the audition and play (thanks Dad!). What about Charles? What will he try next?
Everyone is selected and auditioned, and it's a go! This fourth installment in the Lemoncello Library series is a good one, for many, a favorite. The game has so many twists and turns that keep us the reader most interested. Kyle learns an important life lesson in this story that could change the outcome of the story. Have you heard of the Kidzapalooza Network (the network where kids are in charge) and the amazing prize of winning a hosting spot on the new game show.
Nothing is slow in this book. Whiz, bang, boom and we're off! Clear to the end its one thing after another. I really like the reference to the many books quoted/noted in this book, many of which I too am familiar. This was a great read. Definitely recommend for readers of all ages. Rate 5 Stars.
Kyle Keeling, seventh grader, wants to play and win bad. Akima, Sierra, Miguel and Andrew join her team, knowingly facing some serious competition with classmate Charles Chiltington who is working so hard to make his Dad proud of his son...even to the point of cheating.
Detention becomes a curse for Kyle before the game ever starts. Hopefully they can find a way that gets them through the audition and play (thanks Dad!). What about Charles? What will he try next?
Everyone is selected and auditioned, and it's a go! This fourth installment in the Lemoncello Library series is a good one, for many, a favorite. The game has so many twists and turns that keep us the reader most interested. Kyle learns an important life lesson in this story that could change the outcome of the story. Have you heard of the Kidzapalooza Network (the network where kids are in charge) and the amazing prize of winning a hosting spot on the new game show.
Nothing is slow in this book. Whiz, bang, boom and we're off! Clear to the end its one thing after another. I really like the reference to the many books quoted/noted in this book, many of which I too am familiar. This was a great read. Definitely recommend for readers of all ages. Rate 5 Stars.
June 19, 2019
Grade 4 and up; once again, author Chris Grabenstein has outdone himself in this fourth installment of the Mr. Lemoncello’s library series. In each of these stories there’s a timely topic around which the characters compete; last time the focus was on research, analyzing sources, and digital citizenship- and it felt just right. Here the emphasis is on fiction, which is fun because it feels like a return to simply enjoying stories, but also because Grabenstein takes it a step further by connecting fiction reading to the development of empathy and compassion. He’s focusing on Social Emotional Learning, and it seems like there’s never been a better time for it. Character development has not been a huge element in this series, but here we finally get some insight into why the wretched Charles Chillington acts the way he does; and easy breezy protagonist Kyle is able -through fiction - to understand Charles and choose to support him, rather than despise him. Of all the lessons the Mr. Lemoncello stories have taught readers, this is the most important. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2019
Another fun Lemoncello adventure for Kyle and his friends! The game this time isn't based on specific books but more about fiction genres and trying things that might be new to you as a reader. Plenty of book references, though, throughout the story.
I'm personally over Charles Chiltington. I am ready for Kyle to have a new opponent. I can't believe that teachers and Kyle's parents don't call out this kid's sucking up behavior. Have none of the adults paid attention to this kid's antics in the last few books? I appreciated the author's effort to give Kyle an opportunity to see why Charles is the way he is, but frankly, no matter how much the kids understand the influence Charles' dad has over him, Charles' own choices to fall into line undercut any empathy they might have for him. I think it is different when you have a kid who WANTS to be different. Charles obviously has no interest in changing his ways.
I'm personally over Charles Chiltington. I am ready for Kyle to have a new opponent. I can't believe that teachers and Kyle's parents don't call out this kid's sucking up behavior. Have none of the adults paid attention to this kid's antics in the last few books? I appreciated the author's effort to give Kyle an opportunity to see why Charles is the way he is, but frankly, no matter how much the kids understand the influence Charles' dad has over him, Charles' own choices to fall into line undercut any empathy they might have for him. I think it is different when you have a kid who WANTS to be different. Charles obviously has no interest in changing his ways.
August 16, 2024
Well, Mr. Lemoncello is at it again! Challenging three groups of kids to his latest contest…on TV! Kyle, of course, heads up the Lemonheads, while Haley is together with her group from Kidzapalooza. The third?..well, yes, Charles Chiltington is back with his cheating, evil ways to win at any cost.
They all have to gain entry to five rooms hidden by windows, mirrors, and doors, answering tricky questions, solving puzzles, and defeating imagined foes. And, it revolves around children’s book genres! What fun! Lots of great book titles are strewn throughout the story. (There’s even a list at the back of the book to remind you of some great stories).
Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game is an action-packed, fast-paced adventure that kids will love (just like the others in the series). Engaging, timely, and fun…it is another gem!
They all have to gain entry to five rooms hidden by windows, mirrors, and doors, answering tricky questions, solving puzzles, and defeating imagined foes. And, it revolves around children’s book genres! What fun! Lots of great book titles are strewn throughout the story. (There’s even a list at the back of the book to remind you of some great stories).
Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game is an action-packed, fast-paced adventure that kids will love (just like the others in the series). Engaging, timely, and fun…it is another gem!
May 24, 2019
I think this has to be my favorite book in this series, after the first one of course. I love virtual reality (in books) and fiction (if you couldn't guess), both of which were included in this game. Oh, and escape rooms. What's not to love?
Fiction books have been my life since I was a small things, so I was very happy that they were the focus of this book. I also liked how he gave more depth to Charles, even if I still don't like him. It's good for people to remember that even the mean people have a reason they're mean.
I loved the book, I sped through the book, and was sad when it was over. This is one book I would chose to live in if I could.
Fiction books have been my life since I was a small things, so I was very happy that they were the focus of this book. I also liked how he gave more depth to Charles, even if I still don't like him. It's good for people to remember that even the mean people have a reason they're mean.
I loved the book, I sped through the book, and was sad when it was over. This is one book I would chose to live in if I could.
May 26, 2019
Another great installment in the "Lemoncello" series! I like the switch to focusing on genres (but there were still plenty of specific-title references), since discussing different genres is one of my favorite things to do with my students in my library. I've also become a bit obsessed with breakout/escape rooms (#understatement), so that was another plus for this story!
While I did appreciate the message of , I will say that I'm ready for a different antagonist and would like to see Charles either change or go on an extended vacation.
Thank you, Chris Grabenstein, for this fantastically fun series! :)
While I did appreciate the message of , I will say that I'm ready for a different antagonist and would like to see Charles either change or go on an extended vacation.
Thank you, Chris Grabenstein, for this fantastically fun series! :)
June 15, 2019
Another winner in the Mr. Lemoncello series! In this book Mr. Lemoncello creates an escape room type games for the teams, and the games are built around the concept of fiction. The book lifts up the idea that it can be fun and educational to put ourselves in someone else's shoes, as we do when we get lost in a fiction book. But the benefit doesn't stop there, as that experience can also produce empathy and understanding of others, which the main character experiences in an important way. This series has progressed enough that I was starting to get uncomfortable with the animosity between Kyle and Charles Chiltington, but Grabenstein makes a good faith effort here to start to turn that relationship around. Can't wait to read the next one!
June 27, 2019
While I love all libraries, this truly is the "coolest library in the world." I have puzzled my way through each of the previous Mr. Lemoncello books enjoying my ride along with the players and did the same in this latest story. I don't think I ever really realized how much the other books look at non-fiction until you find out that this story revolves around the fiction in the library. Not only knowing good fiction but being able to be placed in fiction stories that the kids right themselves. I always recognize traits of my students in each of the characters and take many of the conversations as new ways to assist the kids I encounter each day. Another wonderful, wonderful story.
August 16, 2022
"'What some might see as a near disaster, I prefer to call marvelous good fortune. This is why the thesaurus has always been my favorite book. So many different ways of looking at the same thing!'" - Mr. Lemoncello
This series of books has been near and dear to my heart since I started reading them in elementary school. Some people scoff at children's literature, but these books are truly unparalleled in the depths of human compassion that they depict and the powerful lessons they impart. I love this book and I love this series because they make me a better person. If you haven't read a children's book in a while, maybe it's time to pick one up.
This series of books has been near and dear to my heart since I started reading them in elementary school. Some people scoff at children's literature, but these books are truly unparalleled in the depths of human compassion that they depict and the powerful lessons they impart. I love this book and I love this series because they make me a better person. If you haven't read a children's book in a while, maybe it's time to pick one up.
October 7, 2019
As always, I love the references to everything and all the stuff they brag about ( "Aren't you the one who read all the Percy Jackson's in a weekend?" and "He's read everything J.R.R. Tolkien ever wrote, and those books are thick!" come to mind). This installment was by far the best sequel ( 2 and 3 were sort of if-y to me). It had a good plot, and there was even a little character development- which was sort of missing previously. I was kind of disappointed with the ending, though. I thought it would have been great if Kyle & Co saved Charles, he realized what a jerk he had been, they let Charles win, they're all friends etc. But what really happened was they save Charles, Kyle & Co win the game and then Charles stomps off.
One thing that I sort of have to brag about though is that the story with "Princess Akimi" is supposed to have actually happened (on different circumstances, of course). I read about it in The Story of the World: The Middle Ages (see below).
This book was just a fun read
The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance
One thing that I sort of have to brag about though is that the story with "Princess Akimi" is supposed to have actually happened (on different circumstances, of course). I read about it in The Story of the World: The Middle Ages (see below).
This book was just a fun read
The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance
June 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Mr. Lemoncello series! I love how the story is once again set in a library, but this time with an exciting twist—the kids are in the stories themselves. The game centers around different genres, and the players have to solve puzzles and clues in categories they don’t usually read. It’s a fun way to explore books outside their comfort zones.
Of course, Charles is back to his usual sabotage and selfish tricks, but what I appreciated was how Kyle and his friends start to understand what it’s like to be in his shoes—even if they don’t like him. That added a nice layer of empathy to the story.
Overall, this was a clever, fast-paced, and heartfelt addition to the series. I loved the creativity of the challenges, the bookish setting, and the teamwork throughout. Looking forward to the next game Mr. Lemoncello has in store!
Of course, Charles is back to his usual sabotage and selfish tricks, but what I appreciated was how Kyle and his friends start to understand what it’s like to be in his shoes—even if they don’t like him. That added a nice layer of empathy to the story.
Overall, this was a clever, fast-paced, and heartfelt addition to the series. I loved the creativity of the challenges, the bookish setting, and the teamwork throughout. Looking forward to the next game Mr. Lemoncello has in store!
May 31, 2019
** 3.5 stars **
Another fast-paced and fun-filled puzzle solving adventure! These books are such great super quick reads! However it's possible that I may have benefited from taking more of a break in between these books as they were starting to feel kind of similar and repetitive.
I also had the same issue of the puzzles not translating as well to audiobook. It definitely helps to have a visual of the puzzle rather than just hearing it described.
Another fast-paced and fun-filled puzzle solving adventure! These books are such great super quick reads! However it's possible that I may have benefited from taking more of a break in between these books as they were starting to feel kind of similar and repetitive.
I also had the same issue of the puzzles not translating as well to audiobook. It definitely helps to have a visual of the puzzle rather than just hearing it described.
June 4, 2019
In this installment of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, old friends and foes are reunited for a new break out game where they race against time through fiction they themselves create in order to break out of the library. Will Kyle and Charles be able to finally understand one another? Find out in this installment of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library!
July 10, 2019
Kyle is always hyped when his idol, Luigi Lemoncello, comes up with a new game, so he's not about to let a little thing like detention keep him from entering his latest fantastic contest. Once more, middle schoolers will have to use all their wits and literary knowledge to escape his hi-tech library. But this time, it will all be televised. The power of fiction to expand minds and improve personalities will be demonstrated for the nation via hologram-powered RPGs. Naturally, Kyle's nemesis Charles Chiltington will stop at nothing to finally take the glory that is his due. The whole gang is back for the usual funny hijinks.
July 29, 2019
Yet another great Lemoncello book! I’ve loved all 4 and would strongly recommend to 4 graders and up! I think younger kids would enjoy hearing the story but slightly older kids would enjoy the riddles and book references even more!
This one is fun because it focuses on fiction books which are my favorite! Also, it has another good lesson about team work but also focuses on empathy and trying to understand where people are coming from and why they act the way they do. I particularly love the fact that the author doesn’t have the characters that are at odds become best friends, and even points out that they might not ever become real friends even, but they can try and understand each other better.
Strongly recommend the whole series!
This one is fun because it focuses on fiction books which are my favorite! Also, it has another good lesson about team work but also focuses on empathy and trying to understand where people are coming from and why they act the way they do. I particularly love the fact that the author doesn’t have the characters that are at odds become best friends, and even points out that they might not ever become real friends even, but they can try and understand each other better.
Strongly recommend the whole series!
May 2, 2020
This book got back to the story I was wanting. I think this was probably my favorite concept of the whole series. The Fictionasium is just SO COOL!! I loved the reaffirmed emphasis on teamwork and trying to help your enemies instead of hating them. Love those original Alexandriaville kids- Kyle, Akimi, Miguel, Sierra, and Andrew. Such a fun series overall.
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