For Fans of Mr. Lemoncello

Chris Grabenstein’s character Mr. Lemoncello is a rhyming, punning descendant of Willy Wonka. He makes games and puzzles, some that you play at home with your family and some that are brought to life in reality-show style competitions. The Mr. Lemoncello books are a favorite of puzzle fans. Mr. Lemoncello also loves the library, which is awesome. Below are some other great middle-grade reads for those who love games, competitions, and puzzles.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (1978)

Readers of the blog already know that The Westing Game is a family favorite. I could read this a million times and never tire of it. The residents of an apartment building are shocked when their rich neighbor is found dead and even more stunned when they have the opportunity to solve a puzzle and become his heirs!

Gollywhopper Games series by Jody Feldman and Victoria Jamieson (started in 2008)

The Golly Toy and Game Company is holding the Gollywhopper Games, and Gil Goodson is determined to win. Gil wants the prize money so that he and his family can move out of town and he can redeem his father who was accused of embezzlement by Golly Toy.

The Candymakers series by Wendy Mass (started in 2010)

Four kids are competing to find the tastiest candy in the world. Told in alternating points of view, Mass’s book gives us a chance to get to know — and feel for — all the competitors. When the kids learn of a nefarious plan to steal a secret ingredient, they band together to fight the bad guys.

Puzzling World of Winston Breen series by Eric Berlin (started in 2010)

Winston is a puzzle whiz. He sees (and solves) puzzles everywhere and likes to create his own. When he discovers puzzle pieces in an antique box, he and his friends set out on a quest to solve the mystery. Full of puzzles to solve as you read.

The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi (2017)

Reminiscent of Jumanji, The Gauntlet traps kids in a game that they must win to escape. Farah’s brother disappears into the game first, so Farah and her friends enter to save him. They must triumph in three challenges to return to the real world. Great to see a Muslim main character going out on adventures.