(Image from Barnes & Noble)

With two older brothers—one a super jock, the other a genius—Kyle Keeley's used to coming in last all the time.  Except when it comes to games.  In that arena, he's at least got a fighting chance.  Games are, in fact, the 12-year-old's passion.  Whether it's video games, board games, puzzles, whatever—Kyle's wild about them.  

When Kyle finds out that Mr. Luigi Lemoncello, the kooky, but brilliant man who created all of his favorite games, is designing his town's new library, he couldn't be more intrigued.  Along with 11 other kids, Kyle wins the chance to spend the night in the finished building.  The place is even more amazing than he could have dreamed possible.  But, when his incredible night in the library ends, its doors won't open.  The kids are trapped inside.  That's when Mr. Lemoncello announces his newest, most exciting game yet:  in order to escape from the library, the kids inside must compete against each other to solve a series of clues leading to the library's secret, hidden passageway to the outside.  While the contestants can bow out at any time, unbelievably awesome prizes await those who stay.  

Kyle wouldn't miss this game for the world.  He has to win, if only to prove to everyone else that he's just as capable as his brothers.  But, can he out think his classmates and solve all the clues in the library before they do?  Or will Kyle Keeley come in last place once again?

I read so many dark, depressing novels for older readers that I sometimes forget how bright and uplifting middle grade books can be.  Chris Grabenstein's newest, Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library, is a perfect example.  It's fun, it's fast-paced, it's quirky, it's just all kinds of delightful.  A enjoyable romp that pays homage to the power of learning, reading and thinking, this is a book that will tickle the fancies of all readers.  If you haven't read it yet, do.  Then, pass it on to your kids, grandkids, neighbors, friends, mailman, obscure relatives ...

(Readalikes:  Reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl)

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Top Ten Books at the Top of My Summer TBR List

1.  The Distance Between Us by Kasie West—I'm reading this contemporary YA romance right now (it comes out on July 2, I believe) and, although it's pretty fluffy, I'm enjoying it.  It's a classic rich boy meets poor girl love story, set in a beach town in California.  Although it's set during the Fall months, it's the kind of light, fun book that's perfect for summer reading.

2.  Bones of the Lost by Kathy Reichs—I always get excited when a new Temperance Brennan novel comes out.  This is one of my favorite adult series.  Since the book doesn't come out until August, I was thrilled to get an ARC of this one via Edelweiss.  I can't wait to see what adventures Tempe has this time around.

3.  The Newcomer by Robyn Carr—Adult romances really aren't my thing, so I generally avoid them like the proverbial plague.  Unless, of course, they're written by Carr.  She's a warm, lovely person whose personality really shines through in the books she writes.  They're romances, yes, but they're also stories about communities, families and people who value things like integrity, fidelity and loyalty to one's family, friends and country.  Carr's newest series, set on the Oregon Coast, is just as appealing as her Virgin River and Grace Valley books.  The Newcomer is the second installment in the series and it looks like a perfect summer read!  The novel comes out in about a week, but thanks to the generous Robyn Carr, I already have a copy sitting on my shelf.  

4.  Matilda by Roald Dahl—Believe it or not, I've never read Matilda.  So, when the good folks at Penguin asked if I'd like to review it as part of the celebrations for the book's 25th Anniversary, I could not resist the opportunity.  Look for my review soon!

5.  World War Z by Max Brooks—Even though it's not really monster season, I love a good zombie yarn.  I just got this one from the library and hope to get to it soon.

6.  The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr—Zarr's books are kind of hit and miss for me and her newest has gotten mixed reviews, so we'll see what I think of this one.


7.  The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman—I pre-orderd this one from Amazon because, well, it's Neil Gaiman.  People are saying it's really weird, though, so know I'm really interested to see what it's all about!


8.  Amity & Sorrow by Peggy Riley—I'm not sure why this novel about escaping polygamy sounds so intriguing to me, but it does.  It sounds a little heavy for the easy, breezy days of summer and yet, it's one I definitely want to get to soon.


9.  Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein—I've been seeing this one advertised on Amazon and I think it looks excellent.  It's a MG book about a kid who's trapped in a new library created by a genius game master.  He has to find clues and solve puzzles to find his way out.  It's being billed as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Night at the Museum, which just totally intrigues me.  The book comes out on June 25th.  I can't wait to see what it's all about.


10.  The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver—Deaver's books are pretty hard core, but I enjoy his series about quadriplegic forensic expert Lincoln Rhyme.  Rhyme's a brilliant character and his adventures are always fast-paced and compelling.  I hope the hold list at the library moves fast because I can't wait to read this one.  

Have you read any of these?  What did you think?  And, what's at the top of your summer reading list?