Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is a book that has been spending a lot of time on the New York Times Bestseller List and other recommendation lists.  All this attention is not unwarranted.  It is a book that is made delightful by its details and small touches.  This isn’t a book about magic or character development or brilliant dialogue; ultimately, it is an action-book, which may seem odd for a book about a library.  However, this library is a high-tech-beyond-your-wildest dreams library.  And, it is a book about puzzles and games.

There is plenty of homage to children’s literature–both classic and contemporary.  That is one of the nice touches.  Another is that the main character, Kyle, isn’t much of a reader, but rather a gamer.  (This is slightly unconventional for a book about a library.)  If there is a game (board, electronic, or otherwise), then he is interested.

The publisher’s note says this book is a combination of Willa Wonka and Night at the Museum and that is pretty spot-on.  Bibliophiles will be recommending and enjoying this book for years to come, but because of the main character, this book will also appeal to middle grade readers who are not necessary die-hard readers.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Property is damaged (deliberately); characters talk about a video game with some cartoon violence; characters fall/trip (no injuries)

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

None

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None