Book Review: The Island of Dr. Libris

Two weeks ago, we featured some must-read YA titles and last week, we took at a professional title with a review of Tom Newkirk’s latest book. This week, we continue with book recommendations from two more wonderful librarians. First up: a review by Chris Kehan of the Chris Grabenstein’s upcoming book, The Island of Dr. Libris. And tomorrow, don’t forget to come back to check out some middle-school recommendations!

By Chris Kehan

As a librarian I get the privilege of getting the Advanced Reader’s Copy of a book.  I recently had the pleasure of reading The Island of Dr. Libris by Chris Grabenstein.  Chris Grabenstein is the author the New York Times best-seller, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.  He is also the co-author of the I Funny, Treasure Hunters, and House of Robots series with James Patterson.

I first came across Chris Grabenstein’s work last summer when I read Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.  He had a wonderful way of captivating his readers with mystery, adventure, and popular literature.  I found myself thinking about the numerous titles he weaves within the book, and he pays homage to teachers/librarians in a respectful way.  The Island of Dr. Libris was just as intriguing, weaving classic literature characters together along with the main characters in this new book coming out in March of 2015.

Billy is spending the summer on the lake with his mom, but not his dad.  In the middle of the lake sits an ominous island.  While at the cabin Billy meets Walter and they spend their time together avoiding the local bully and his gang.  With no access to t.v., video games, computers, etc., Billy is left with nothing else to do but explore Dr. Libris’s study which houses many impressive, leather-bound classics.  Once he starts to read them, strange voices begin to emerge and they are coming from the unusual island.  Follow Billy and Walter as they venture out to the island to see what is happening each time a different classic is read aloud.

Lab notes are woven throughout the book to let readers know that Billy is a test subject for the eccentric Dr. Libris.  Find out what he has in store for Billy and how Billy aids characters from the classics in this adventurous new novel by Chris Grabenstein.

Check out Grabenstein’s book trailer here.

Chris has been teaching in the Central Bucks School District for 24 years. She worked as a classroom teacher teaching 4th graders for 16 years then 3 years teaching 6th graders.  She has found her true calling as she is entering her fifth year as a library media specialist at Warwick Elementary School.  She has the pleasure of teaching reading, writing, and research strategies to children in K-6th grades.  Having been a PAWLP Fellow since 1995 she presents to teachers at conferences, teaches graduate courses, and co-directs the Summer Writing Institute. In her spare time she loves to read and coach girls’ soccer.