Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
With only one secret way out of the library, Kyle and the other contestants must solve puzzles, make quick decisions, and have a little bit of luck on their side to find it. The first one to escape the library wins! Sound easy? Not a chance! So will Kyle win? Will his nemesis, Charles Chiltington, beat him to the prize? What kind of wacky obstacles will Mr. Lemoncello throw in their path? The stakes have never been so high!
Short chapters, accessible language, humor, and great characters make this a fantastic read. This book will get your brain working, mine was really sweating it out, as you try to solve the puzzles along with the characters. Friendship, working together, and playing a fair game are all themes that run throughout the story, but are never overly lectured. This is a great choice for reluctant readers, boys, girls, adults, kids....everyone! And I know, I may be a bit biased, the whole library setting thing had me won over, but it is a truly whimsical and extraordinary story. And if you happen to solve the puzzle after the book is over, please come in and give me a hint - I could sure use it!