Mr. Lemoncello's All-Star Breakout Game (Mr. Lemoncello's Library)

I ostensibly bought this to give to my niece, but really I just wanted to read it, having read all the previous books in the series (and then given them to Hannah).

It's a quick, exciting read, and entirely what you expect. There are fewer puzzles than in previous books, but they're still fun, and the moral is, of course, very good. Perhaps too good, but I'm not the target market.

The reading list in the back is fabulous, and the notes are always worth a read. ( )

Luigi Lemoncello returns to Alexandriaville, Ohio to launch a new contest, one in which the players compete in an interactive, three-dimensional game, courtesy of his newest invention, the Fictionasium. It is through the spectacular Fictionasium that the players become characters inside the fictional tale.

Utilizing this technology, Mr. Lemoncello has developed a game in which teams will compete, utilizing the Fictionasium, in five fiction genres in order to find the clues to solve riddles, unlock locks, and become the first to break out of the library . . . all in front of a live television audience.

Of course, seventh grader Kyle Keeley wants to play . . . and win . . . the game. Akimi, Sierra, Miguel, and Andrew join Kyle’s team but they’re facing some stiff competition, especially from fellow classmate Charles Chiltington who is still trying to make his father proud by winning . . . even if he must cheat to earn his dad’s approval.

But will detention stop Kyle before the game ever begins? Or will his team find a way to pass the audition and play the game? And what about Charles? Will he find a way to turn the game to his own advantage?

With all the expected characters in place, this fourth installment in the Lemoncello Library series is certain to delight fans of the series. The game, as always, has many facets, but this time there’s also an important, unexpected learning moment for Kyle [and the readers] that just might change the outcome of the game. That said, this new adventure, centers on the Kidzapalooza Network [the network where kids rule] and the spectacular prize: the possibility of winning a hosting gig on the network’s new game show.

The story has more twists and turns than a switchback mountain road, all designed to create non-stop action. The targeted middle grade audience will easily relate to Kyle and the other students; as always, there are references to a plethora of books they have probably read. [It’s one of the many highlights of the Lemoncello Library stories.] However, this enchanting tale is sure to delight readers of all ages. Don’t miss this one [or any of the other books in the series].

Highly recommended. ( )