Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: The Graphic Novel

Gr 3-7–In honor of the 10th anniversary of the beloved novel, this graphic version does not disappoint. Holgate, of “The Last Kids on Earth” fame, is the perfect choice for this homage to libraries, books, and reading. The town of Alexandriaville has been without a library for 12 years. A new library is opening with a contest for 12-year-olds where 12 will be selected to spend the night in the library. Mr. Lemoncello, a famous game inventor and the library’s benefactor, chooses the contestants. Five boys and seven girls of different races and backgrounds are each given a unique library card. The puzzles and games begin immediately, with no technology allowed except the library computers. A fun-filled night ends seemingly without a hitch. The next morning, however, across the street, the parents are being informed that their children can voluntarily participate in another more elaborate game where they must find an alternate exit from the library within 24 hours. The winners will become the stars of Mr. Lemoncello’s holiday promotions. Competitors drop out, and alliances change. Literary references abound. Great use of the comics format to adeptly mimic time, space, and mood.