MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY OLYMPICS

A second round of bookish riddles and rebuses leads to a stout battle against the forces of intellectual repression in this graphic remake of the popular series’ second entry.

With teams of avid young readers from around the country descending on eccentric Mr. Lemoncello’s fabulous library to compete for a glittering first prize—a full ride to college—it looks like Kyle Keeley and his three compatriots have their work cut out for them. They must also contend with chicanery from slimy Charles W. Chiltington, his even more reprehensible mother, and a squirrelly new book-burning nemesis. Are they up to the challenge? “On your mark. Get set. Lemoncello—GO!” Holgate’s fluidly drawn assemblages of actively engaged contestants, expertly colored by Todeschini, capture the 2016 novel’s narrative vim while highlighting the young cast’s racial diversity. Though some of the 12 games (like a book cart relay race) are tests of physical agility, most of them lean on mental acuity as well as a working knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System, basic research skills, and wide reading knowledge. The abundant book references have been updated to include worthy titles published since the original’s appearance. A love for libraries and those who value them shines here more brightly than ever, from the very first poser—a rebus with a message that bookworms will delight in—onward.

The dynamic graphic format will draw new fans to this timeless manifesto for library lovers.