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October book 2016 - Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
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Jasmine
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Sep 29, 2016 06:41AM
The October pick for Fiction is Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this whimsical adventure.
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I read this last year. Here's my review:I really loved this book. Twelve children are chosen to enter Mr. Lemoncello's brand new library...and what a library it is!! The 12 don't realize this but they are then in a contest to find the way out of the library using clues in the library. Book titles are sprinkled throughout the book, both in the clues and throughout Mr. Lemoncello's speech. This book will probably be enjoyed by those who love libraries, love children's books and love solving puzzles. I thought it was really, really fun.
Near the end of last school year, our school librarian read this to my 3rd grade class. She was running short on time (as she only sees each class 1/week) and asked me if I would be willing to finish it, so I did. It didn't make the greatest read aloud...at least for 3rd graders. My 7th grade daughter read it and loved it. But my 3rd graders hadn't read widely enough to recognize most of the literary references. In addition, many of the book references were to classics/older children's books that are probably not quite as widely read today. So while I loved it, I think it is probably best for children who are in upper elementary who are pretty widely read. (Although it is possible that for some children, it may lead them to want to read some of the titles mentioned in the book. And that's definitely a good thing.)
Hated this book. The incessant name-dropping of books was pointless - I can't see these as literary references since it requires no knowledge of the book in question. I guess the assumption is that there will be some kind of gratification for the reader in saying, "Ooh - I've read (or heard of) that book!" Really? OK, so what? Since there is no depth to the name-dropping, I don't see how it would entice readers to pick up that new book. It was as if the author had a hit list that he was obligated to use up over the course of the book.The overall premises were annoyingly derivative - the Wonka aspect, for example. I kept waiting for the author to turn the whole thing into something more, but it never happened.
I am generally opposed to these "pro-library" books. In this case, I felt the author didn't have the first clue about what makes a library special, about how library research works, or how different kinds of kids can benefit from libraries. Too much distracting glitz.
And the whole setup of the contest entries is handled terribly. The kid blows his first chance - the fair chance - but then he is rewarded for an unsanctioned do-over? What does this teach kids? I found none of the characters appealing and many of them were just off-the-shelf stereotypes. The Westing Game this is not. I found development of these characters lacking too.
Finally, the "hidden puzzle" is rewarding in the same way as "Ovaltine? Ovaltine? A crummy commercial?" I was really hoping that all those dumb book titles were FINALLY going to be used to some clever purpose. I was so very, very wrong. They were, after all was said and done, utterly pointless.
It was not my cup of tea. But, then again, I didn't especially care for The Westing Game, either. The books I enjoy the most have good character development and these kinds of books don't have as much as I would like.
I read this book last spring. I think it is a great way to attract interest in the library. Mystery lovers will adore picking up the clues and trying to solve ahead of the characters.
I loved this book. While the plot was a bit outlandish, it was fun. When I was a kid I would have loved to be locked in a library overnight. Truth be told, I still wouldn't mind it. Anyway, I digress.. The characters were believable enough. The action and humor kept me completely engaged. All of the book and pop culture references were an added bonus. I just hope moving forward, this dos not make the book seem dated. Time will tell. A few of my students have read this book and loved it. They were fourth and fifth graders.A personal note, I apologize for being so absent on our discussion board. Life just became really insane for awhile.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I loved the celebration of libraries and reading in general. The inclusion of clues and puzzles throughout the story added an extra dimension of interactive fun to this already wildly entertaining tale. The Mr. Lemoncello character was a wild and witty "Santa Claus of books," and added a wonderfully surreal touch to the story. But what I enjoyed most about this title was the main character's (Kyle) compassion for his fellow contestants and his willingness to face a challenge. To me it was a stark, and welcome, contrast to the "Wimpy Kid" type characters whose triumphs always seem to come at the expense of others, and who seem to wallow in self pity whenever the going gets tough. I'm not a fan of overtly "preachy" books, but the subtle message in this book (good deeds and effort will be rewarded) doesn't drive the story, it follows as the natural result of the character's actions. Overall, I thought the story was charming, fast paced and fun. I suspect this would be a great title to entice 10 year old bibliophobes into the joys of reading.
Michael wrote: "Hated this book. The incessant name-dropping of books was pointless - I can't see these as literary references since it requires no knowledge of the book in question. I guess the assumption is that..."I agree this book was light on character development (and plot development, too.) But it was fast paced, funny and had very cool descriptions of the types of areas libraries coud offer. I think kids would like it, but it won't be one they think of forever.
His original "essay" was five words: "Balloons. There might be balloons." For this he was rewarded? Not for the one where he worked "like he'd never worked on any essay in his essay-writing life"? If that were the case, why even bother introducing the do-over essay into the story? And if such a lazy throw-away entry gets rewarded, what does that say? The other thing that drives me crazy about this book is the writing style. It's full of "paragraphs" that consist of just a single sentence (even when successive sentence/paragraphs belong together).
Suzie wrote: "Michael wrote: "Hated this book. The incessant name-dropping of books was pointless - I can't see these as literary references since it requires no knowledge of the book in question. I guess the as..."Thanks Jen, Hope your kids enjoy the book as much as my daughter and I did!
I found this a quick fun read. I would of adored it as a child as well. I did feel that it ripped off Willie Wonka a bit but again it feels like a modern twist. I really liked the game component and the additional games throughout and I liked that it had an ongoing reading list - mostly of classics - throughout the story. I somewhat assumed that someone (Dr. Z or Lemoncello himself) got the essay when it was submitted to the email distro/spam folder as well.
I do think it is not a lasting book but a fun read that would have been more enjoyable as a child.
In terms of sleepovers in libraries, sounds fun as a child but after chaperoning a night of boy scouts at the Museum of Science (Boston).... I'm all set leaving when the staff leaves.
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I have not been able to locate my copy, and the more I read of your comments about the book, the more I also think this books would likely not be all that much of a hit with me. If I manage to find where on my shelves or where on my floor the book is hiding, I might consider trying it, but the issues you have pointed out, would more than likely also bother me.
