Skip to main content

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein

By
Brief synopsis: Some people are claiming that the first games at Mr. Lemoncello's library were not fair because not everyone got a chance to compete. So Mr. Lemoncello organizes a country-wide competition, bringing in teams from all over the country. Meanwhile, previously disqualified contestant Charles Chilington and his family try to destroy the library. 

Category: Juvenile 

Why I chose this book: Sequel to Mr. Lemoncello's Library (previously reviewed here:

My personal opinion: This sequel was almost as fun as much fun to read as the first Mr. Lemoncello book. I really love reading about all the technology and gaming systems the library contains. This book centers around the idea of banned books and freedom of access to material (not that everyone has to read them, but that there should be access available). It also shows the value of teamwork from opposing sides or when there isn't really a prize or something to be gained from working to solve a problem. 

Warnings
Language: None
Violence: None
"Adult" situations: None 
Death: None

Movie rating equivalent: PG

Protagonist description: A typical middle schooler who is good at solving word and picture puzzles and standing up for what is right even when there isn't a prize involved. 

Point of view of story: Third, Kyle

Book length: Very short

Story flow: Fluid

Grammar and spelling issues: None

Character connection (no spoilers): None

For series:
Independent or integral: Technically integral, but aside from Kyle saying that he is worried they won't win like they did in the last games the story itself stands alone.

Series review as a whole: Really fun, easy reading. Problem solving and puzzles. Promotes libraries and free thought/access to material

If you only have time for one, read: Both are equally good, but start with Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

By
Summary: Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. (Amazon) Attention Span/reading level: Perfect for my three year old. I would say that ages 2-10 would really enjoy something like this. It really keeps kids engaged and makes them feel like part of the story. There is one word to one sentence per page. Good uses for book in teaching: Interaction, that the reader takes part in making the story, what a tree can do (leaves, blossoms, fruit) Favorite part:      Child: The fact that ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

By
Brief synopsis (no spoilers) Vin relies on her fighting skills, and a little extra "luck" to survive in the thief's world. Then comes Kelsier, a master thief and planner, showing her that what she calls luck is really much more. Kelsier and his crew plan to use a variety of special powers to free an entire population of slaves, including themselves, from tyranny. But, as always, there's far more to the story. Category Science Fiction or Fantasy Why I chose this book Rated highly on the library site My personal opinion (the review) Definitely the best story I've read in the past year. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. Special abilities, fighting, romance, social justice - this has it all. And not a single bad word or uncomfortable situation. Warnings Language: None Violence: frequent, some mildly graphic "Adult" situations: None Death: Some, and of major characters Movie rating equivalent PG-13 Protagon...
Post a Comment
Read more

Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh

By
Summary: Two mice make a teeter totter. Soon a frog comes along and wants to join. Can the mice balance all the friends who want to play with them? Attention Span/reading level: 3-6 years old, usually 5 or less words on a page Good uses for book in teaching: Balance, science Favorite part:      Child: When the frog joins in     Mine: That the mice keep playing at the end  Least favorite part: None:   W arnings/negative feedback: None.  Review: This is a really simple but fun way to introduce the idea of balancing and weight to kids. It's fun to show them how it must be equal on each side to balance. Showing that size can affect weight is shown on the page where all the animals are on one side with the big bird on the other. This could be a fun activity to replicate with toys if doing a science lesson at home. 
Post a Comment
Read more