Skip to main content

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein

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

Popular posts from this blog

Happily Ever After Kiera Cass

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Short novellas and after stories from the perspective of other main characters from The Selection Series. Includes: -The Prince (with the two bonus chapters), Maxon’s novella -The Guard, Aspen’s novella -The Queen, Amberly’s novella -The Favorite, Marlee’s novella -Three scenes from Celeste’s POV -Lucy’s scene (bonus scene from The One) -The bonus epilogue -Where are they now? Category: YA Why I chose this book: Selection of novellas filling in gaps in The Selection series.  My personal opinion (the review): Of the entire series this was by far and away my favorite. I loved getting to hear parts of the stories from other perspectives. There was also additional details not found in the original story. All my questions or things I wondered about where answered through these stories.  Warnings Language: None  Violence: None "Adult" situations: As with the other novels, a few scenes with more description than I would have liked. ...

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

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 ...

Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh

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.