Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race

Mr. Lemoncello's Library #3

by Chris Grabenstein

On your marks. Get set. Lemon, cello, GO!

Everyone's favorite game maker, Mr. Lemoncello, is testing out his new FABULOUS FACT-FINDING FRENZY game! If Kyle can make it through the first round, he and the other lucky finalists will go on a great race--by bicycle, bookmobile, and even Mr. Lemoncello's corporate banana jet!--to find fascinating facts about famous Americans. The first to bring their facts back to the library will win spectacular prizes! But when a few surprising "facts" surface about Mr. Lemoncello, it might be GO TO JAIL and LOSE A TURN all at once! Could Kyle's hero be a fraud? It's winner take all, so Kyle and the other kids will have to dig deep to find out the truth before the GAME is OVER for Mr. Lemoncello and his entire fantastic empire!

Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Audiobook, Books About Books

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this third installment of Mr. Lemoncello. I felt it was a bit more predictable than the first two and I didn't think the "bad guys" would give away as much info as they did, thus the four star vs. five star review. I loved the important message of being careful to research facts thoroughly. In our current climate of "fake news" and "alternative facts" I feel this message is absolutely necessary especially with students who need to understand Wikipedia is not the best sole source for facts. I love the characters especially Mr. Lemoncello himself and I cannot wait for the Netflix film to be released. I wish I could visit Mr. Lemoncello's library! This is a fabulous series and kids will love part three. Can't wait to share when it hits shelves in October.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This breaks my heart, and is going to be an unpopular opinion on Goodreads, but I just didn't like this one as much as the first two in the series--and NOT because it's nonfiction based. As a librarian, I loved that nonfiction took center stage in the story and that QUALITY research (checking sources, not jumping to conclusions, verifying information, etc) was emphasized.

My problem was the race itself--none of the stages lasted that long or seemed that exciting. Even when the kids FLEW TO ANOTHER STATE the event only lasted a page or two and then they were back on the plane (also...parents letting their tweens jet-set around the country unchaperoned? O-kaaaaay...) I actually preferred the later story line of the kids pausing the race to solve a mystery--those chapters were the most fun.

I think it's also difficult because each book has to be more over-the-top than the next because of zany Mr. Lemoncello and advanced technology, but sometimes it goes beyond fantasy into the absurd. I still love the series and will read on if more books are written, but my love for the first two is hard to live up too.

[Lovely Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

So far the weakest of the series, but still good

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game-maker Luigi L. Lemoncello is testing his “Fabulous Fact-Finding Frenzy” game in which the players research to find information about famous Americans. Following clues, the players peruse library books, race around on foot, ride bicycles, travel in bookmobiles, and fly in Mr. Lemoncello’s own corporate banana jet. Kyle Keeley, naturally, wants to win. But when he uncovers some disreputable “facts” about Mr. Lemoncello, it looks as if his hero may just turn out to be a fraud.

Can Kyle find the answers before it’s too late to save Mr. Lemoncello and the great Lemoncello Library?

The third installment of the Lemoncello Library adventures doesn’t disappoint. [Although this enchanting tale stands perfectly well on its own, anyone who hasn’t read the first two adventures, “Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” and “Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics,” is urged to consider remedying that oversight at the earliest opportunity.]

All the usual characters are in place once again along with the delightfully despicable game-making Krinkle brothers. The newest Lemoncello invention, the Nonfictionator, is on display as the riotous plot twists and turns and the story unfolds. Along the way, there are riddles to solve, puzzles to unravel, codes to crack, and references to a profusion of books any book-lover, young or old, will instantly recognize.

From the first page, readers will discover this lively tribute to libraries, reading, and research is completely unputdownable.

Highly recommended.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third time’s definitely that great Limoncello charm as Kyle, Akimi and Miguel are on another competition, but this time they’re high flying around the country. They’re also on a sleuthing quest when two rival game makers and the Chullingtons are trying to once again smear Limoncello’s good name. A (100%/Outstanding)

[esther ⭐ (in school) · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading time: 1.8 hours
*this book is fantabulous! 😋
*i love this book so much, it brings such a joy to me and i love all of the characters
* i have loved this book since i was young and it always brings a smile to my face, i hope it does for others too :)

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Another really fun and enjoyable installment in this series! The only reason I didn't give it four stars is that I think it's pretty forgettable, but I definitely had a good time reading it!

[Myra Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best one so far

[Leah G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme of this book is 'truth' because Kyle and his friends have to find the truth, and make sure everybody else knows it, too.

[Tarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment in the Mr. Lemoncello series!

This time we get a lesson in resiliency, and about finding the truth about, well... how to search for the real truth and accurate facts... and how you've just got to check your sources to get it right.

I love how this literary adventure has the kids flying out of state to locate the answers they need... It's kind of cool. A bit 'Amazing Race'-esque, in my opinion... which definitely adds to the intrigue and the hype surrounding the climax.

I just love how amazing that books and libraries are made to look in this series... It's like books are the most amazing adventure you could have on this planet. And you know what? THEY ARE!

[Kaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure in this series, and as a bonus, it focuses on the importance of doing real research to find out the truth rather than jumping to conclusions (or jumping on the media/opinion bandwagon without investigating first). The librarian in me appreciates that message; my son likes that the book was exciting and funny.

[Katy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite series as a librarian, but definitely a niche series for kids. With introduction and urging from teachers, though, they gobble these up! Book 3 is another solid addition to the series, and I actually liked it better than book 2. Book 1, however, remains my favorite in the series.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun and had a few more twists than the first two books in the series. I won't write any spoilers, but if you enjoy the first book, I suspect you'll like all of them. That being said, I think this series has run its course for my 10yo and me. The last quarter of the book felt like more of the same, and while we've enjoyed these, I think we're wanting to read something different now. I'd definitely recommend this series to kids and adults looking for a little adventure centered around libraries and games! Great on audio, too!

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a really fun middle grade mystery, I am really liking this whole series!

[Mr. Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Mr. Lemoncello's Library books are great. Adventure plus fact finding is a winning combination. Definitely some parts to this particular story require a certain willing suspension of disbelief, but that is an adult thing. Kids won't care - they will just enjoy the humor and adventure.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
It was overall a very entertaining read. However, I guessed the majority of the reveals, twists, and turns in the mystery. I did enjoy myself while reading, though, and that why it gets the rating that it does.
As a final critique, it was difficult to suspend disbelief.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Grabenstein is still going strong with third book.
Advanced Reader Copy

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a fictional TED Talk for kids. Chris Grabenstein is on point as he address the topics of failure, digital literacy, research skills and fake news. It's actually right in line with some of the training I'm providing to our library staff at the moment. I have recommended the Mr. Lemoncello series for library professionals before and I will do it again with this one. I'll also get the Mr. Lemoncello boardgame if one is ever invented!

[Josh Newhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris has done it again with the third book in this wonderfliffic series! A strong plot with a twist halfway through that is nicely foreshadowed for adults but will still catch many unawares... I did expect to see Charles play a larger role... the book picked up after the twist as well... it's a solid 4.5 stars compared to the first two books, but 5 stars by other standards... the bar is so high on this series! Loved the sprinkling of book titles throughout the text both overtly and covertly and the humor... I still wish Chris would play Lemoncello because I can picture it as I read.

Here's to book 4 coming out soon:)

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book! Great puzzles for kids to solve. Also fun to read the many references to other books.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great library story, and I love the focus on research and accuracy of facts.

[Aeicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great and kooky Mr. Lemoncello is back with a brand new game- the Fabulous Fact-Finding Frenzy...and this game has Kyle, his friends, other young competitors on the search for great facts about some great historical figures. This time though, the game takes Kyle and the other contestants outside of the awesome Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and across town and even across the country! The kids use bookmobiles, old-timey bicycles, and even a banana jet to find their facts and hopefully win the amazing grand prize. But when some not-so-nice facts about Mr. Lemoncello begin to circulate it’s up to Kyle and his pals to uncover the truth and save their beloved library and benefactor!

Okay, so I have to admit something...when this book arrived in the mail and I opened it, I squealed! I literally, for reals squealed with excitement...that’s how much I love this series! And I’m happy to report that book three, Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race does not disappoint and lives up to its predecessors, Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (Mr. Lemocello’s Library #1) and Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library #2).

Author Chris Grabenstein once again spins a fantastically fun, wondrously whimsical, and crazy clever middle-grade story just bursting with laughs, excitement, mystery, and booknerd goodness! Absolutely pitch-perfect and unputdownable, Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race will enthrall young and older readers alike with its fast-pace, captivating puzzles, and endearing wit. Like in books one and two, all things wacky, zany, kooky, and delightful collide in Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (and in the quirky man himself) to create an unforgettable setting that is part circus, amusement park, interactive museum, and Hogwarts all rolled into one epic place where books, authors, librarians, and readers are celebrated and beloved. Fans of the series will love the new features added to the library in book three (they are SO awesome!). Plus, in book three, Kyle and readers get to explore Mr. Lemoncello’s bewitching home and Mr. Lemoncello’s Imagination Factory in NYC.

Young readers will have a blast joining Kyle and his friends while they compete in the Fabulous Fact-Finding Frenzy, solving tricky puzzles and putting their noodles to work (but in a super fun way!), and will easily get caught up in the dastardly mystery of who is out to destroy Mr. Lemoncello. Kyle, his friends (like Akimi, Sierra, and Miguel), and of course the magnificent Mr. Lemoncello himself, remain some of my absolute favorite middle-grade characters, and I really enjoyed getting to know some of the new characters (like Abia) in book three.

With its marvelous storytelling, engaging characters, and awesome settings Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race, like the others in this series, is pure book magic! I can’t recommend this entire series enough for middle-grade readers, especially reluctant readers.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabenstein, Chris Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race, 288 pages. Random House, OCT 2017. $17. Content: G.

Mr. Lemoncello has more tricks up his sleeve.. He wants to send out ambassadors to introduce his latest 3D technology to children all over the US. In order to choose the ambassadors he has devised a contest, of course. When the teams are on their way to the final challenge they stumble upon something that gives them pause. Did Mr. Lemoncello copy his first, iconic game from another inventor? Instead of finishing the game, Kyle and the others are determined to uncover the truth – even if it means the end of their favorite adult. Meanwhile, the Chillington family and the Krinkle brothers are waiting to watch them fail.

Happy Day! Grabenstein has another clever book to the puzzle-mystery genre. He also has plenty of room to include more books in the series, though I ‘d love to see a different type of plot – as Mr. Lemoncello always seems to be the one in danger from the same antagonists.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Jessica Girvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a FANTASTIC story that stresses the important of research as well as reliable sources. I can't wait to share bits and pieces of it in research lessons and have students read it. As usually Mr. Lemoncello doesn't disappoint!!

[Rachel E. Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book of the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series, Kyle and his friends have a new mystery to solve. This time, it's about research.

I thought this was a great addition to the series. It was fun to have new characters in the novel. And I loved the Nonfictionator. The plot was engaging and kept me reading it all the way through almost without break. Kyle went backwards a bit at the beginning, but he learned through the book that the shortest way isn't always the best.

The one thing I didn't like was the bad guys. They were great, but I would have liked it if they were kept hidden until later in the plot. It's pretty obvious from the beginning who's behind all this.

The big things in this book (like reading or banned books were for the first two) were false news and the importance of research. I think this is a great thing to teach kids about. Just because it's on the internet, that doesn't mean it's true. You need to take the time to research and find out the truth. And don't give up. It's better to fail than not try.

[Dramapuppy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first two Lemoncello books. Books about games are favorite things to read, and books about games about books? Sign me up.

The problem is that this book isn't really about a game.

In what I can only assume is a misguided attempt to up the stakes, the author abandons the competition format halfway through in favor of a bizarre mystery about whether or not Lemoncello plagurized a forty year old board game no one patented in the first place???

I mean, it alludes to this right in the description, but I had hoped the author would maintain the game and use this other thing as a subplot.

No such luck.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Mr. Lemoncello series. This time the kids are competing to win a brand new game and a tour of libraries. They are researching and end up needing their skills to same Mr. Lemoncello who has been accused of stealing game ideas.

[Karsyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Seems like as these books go along they get more juvenile instead of the characters developing. Was bored to tears the first half of the book, finally got better when they went on their real research and enjoyed the last 45% or so of the book.

[Ian Lew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't read yet. But can't believe that Kyle Keely is hear again with his library Olympic friends!

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so much fun! I wish I had a library like Mr. Lemoncello's.