by Chris Grabenstein
Amazon rating: 4.8/5.0, Grade 3-7
Good Reads: 4/5
Common Sense Media: 5/5, Ages 8+
4Rbooks: 5/6, Grades 3-7
Synopsis:
At its core, Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket is a knock-off of Charlie and Chocolate Factory, with a lot of Double Dare thrown in the mix. Mr. Lemoncello is a famous game make, board and electronic games. He holds a contest for children to earn the right to tour his new game museum adjacent to his game making factory. The winner will earn a titanium ticket and the chance to be his heir and win his entire game making empire.
This is book 5 of a series. Four of his main characters from the previous novels have parts to play in this story, Kyle, Akimi, Andrew, and Haley. Titanium Ticket also introduces us to three new characters: Simon, the brainy nerd who lives with his grandparents; Soraiya, a smart school who befriends Simon; and Jack, the stereotypic school bully. The three of them compete against other children in the community through three rounds of games, each level becoming more difficult, challenging, and sometimes messier. Many of the games involve brain teasers and puzzles, while others are based on classic games such as Chutes and Ladders and Rush Hour.
The early rounds eliminate everyone except the final four, and a surprise additional teammate.
Parental Guidance:
I didn’t think there were any major parental guidance moments within the story, but the bully’s actions and grandpa’s hatred might be uncomfortable for some children. They could also provide opportunities for discussions about treating people correctly, and holding grudges, especially at the expense of others.
Recommendation: Medium High
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics
Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race
Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game
Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket
I have been a fan of the Mr. Lemoncello series since the first book. As mentioned, this is book number 5 of the series. Mr. Lemoncello is a modern-day Willy Wonka, but instead of taking children on a magical candy adventure, he takes them on adventures through children’s literature, historical research, breakout rooms, and video and board games.
I believe both boys and girls will enjoy this novel, especially in the 4-6th grade range. The pace if fast and there is action on most pages. If the reader enjoys word puzzles and board games, they will enjoy this book even more. And if a parent has been hoping to have more family board game nights, this book might prove to be the catalyst to get started.
Kommentarer