Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race



If I wasn't 100 percent positive that Chris Grabenstein's manuscript for his third Mr. Lemoncello book was submitted way before the term "fake news" surfaced in the media, I would have bet money that he based the book on it.  But, since I know he did, I can only think that maybe he's just a tad clairvoyant?

One of the biggest champions of libraries and librarians, Chris Grabenstein has done it again.  Truth be told (although it not always is in this book) kids and adults alike are going to fall for this INCREDIBLETASTIC, AMAZERRIFIC, WONDERMOUS third installment in the Mr. Lemoncello series.

First scavenger hunts, then Olympics and now the "Fact-Finding Frenzy...to see who can solve clues, unravel puzzles, pass through roadblocks, and overcome any and all obstacles to find the fascinating fact [Mr. Lemoncello is] looking for!...The facts...will be linked to the five new interactive Nonfictionator displays...revealed...to the public at a grand gala..." Did he just say gala?!  I wonder who he got the idea from?  Check out this link!

But, as you know, nothing is ever simple or easy with Mr. Lemoncello. Amidst finding fascinating autobiographical facts directly from holographic versions of Abraham Lincoln, Michael Jordan, Emily Dickinson, the Wright brothers and Thomas Edison, Kyle and his friends feel that something isn't quite right. "Nothing stops a lie faster than cold hard facts." The kids work hard and fast to uncover the truth, even if it means leaving Alexandriaville.  Fortunately, they have the banana jet to aid them in transporting them across state lines.

As with the other two books, there is also a puzzle at the end for your solving pleasure.  I also love all the book references, subtle and forthright.  I started to jot them all down and then noticed there is a list at the back of the book.  Even our friend, Kwame, is mentioned!

So many lessons learned in one fun book--Persevere.  Don't be afraid to search for the truth. Failure is ok. "I failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed," said the Michael Jordan character.  However, this book is the complete opposite of failure for Chris Grabenstein. It's his love letter to librarians, "search engines with a heart" and kids who are not afraid to dig for the truth. A success!

"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; 
the point is to discover them."
-Chris Grabenstein

ps-Don't go rushing to the store just yet! The book will be released on October 10, 2017.

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