“Code-Cracking & Puzzling Prequels”: Chris Grabenstein & Kekla Magoon

Before Mr. Lemoncello became everyone’s favorite game maker, he was a kid who liked to roll the dice … Luigi has a knack for games and puzzles. But sometimes it feels like the cards are stacked against him. UNTIL a carnival arrives in town and Luigi gets the CHANCE OF A LIFETIME – the opportunity to work for the world-famous Professor Marvelmous, a dazzling, banana-hat-wearing barker who puts the SHOW in SHOWMAN! Discover the origins of what James Patterson calls “the coolest library in the world” in Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game, Chris Grabenstein’s prequel to the New York Times bestselling Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. Kekla Magoon’s newest book delivers a truly fresh mystery – along with a heist, some heartbreak, unforgettable characters and plenty of laser tag. Chester Keene takes great comfort in his routines. But Chester has one other very special thing – he gets secret spy messages from his dad, who must be on covert government assignments, which is why Chester has never met him. Then one day, Chester’s classmate, Skye, approaches him with a clue. They’ve been tasked with a complex puzzle-solving mission. What will happen on this scavenger hunt adventure when Chester Keene Cracks the Code?

Moderated by Jessica Rebhan, M-DCPS educator. Grades 3-8