Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians) through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 
Did you know that I love Brandon Sanderson books? I do! In fact they are among my favourite reads ever! 🙂 AND even though I should be reviewing another book before this one I could not wait to share this one with you. Lucky you eh? 🙂
Written with young readers in mind, Mr. Sanderson takes you on a funny, wild ride with Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians. Who could imagine the deceptions we’ve been living under?!?!?!?!
What I’m looking at today
My hubby said “I wish I was a reviewer! You are so lucky!” and then as I kept giggling, he asked … “you going to be done with that soon?”
This Tom Doherty Associates book runs at runs at 320 pages, I received an ARC softcover from Raincoast books for my review. It also comes in hardcover. This is the first in a series and I’m hoping I get to read the next. Sanderson writes this novel from the point of view of Al (short for Alcatraz) and the adventures that immediately follow his 13th birthday.
The illustrations were done by Hayley Lazo. I noted the cover I received is different that the image on Amazon. This is the first book of five in the series.
Learning more about Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
What you’ll receive is a first person narrative, fast paced fantasy by Brandon Sanderson. Written for middle schoolers the humour and action fit this age group.Â
I loved the humour, the one-liners, and the self-deprecation of Al. It’s great seeing him grow and learn more about himself and figure out how to be a better person.Â
The chapter headings were creative, featuring a variety of illustrations. All helping to tell the story of evil librarians and their plot to take over the world. The Free Lands must not become the Hushlands. Â
I admittedly got a bit tired of the narrating of why authors did stuff spiels that every so often appeared, but looking at as a homeschooler I can see the appeal. So you learned that authors do thus and such, find an example. 🙂 But that might take away from the actual enjoyment of the read. Within the context of this book it made sense for him to explain why writers write as they do.
Illustrations dot the pages created by Hayley Lazo. In my copy they appeared in grey scale. Isn’t it lovely when pictures add depth to a story?Â
I really liked the cover of this book, it drew me in immediately and made me wonder what’s with the glasses?  Note: the glasses are very important!Â
Should Alcatraz be in your shelf?
I do think this book, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, is well worth reading just for fun. It is an hilarious, fast-paced book sure to entertain.Â
My hope is that it might get youngsters thinking about how much of what they learn is controlled by outside influences, and hopefully get them fighting some of that.  You know, think for yourself, not just what you’ve been taught!Â
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Seems like a read that many would enjoy. Though I have to say, I don’t like seeing “evil librarians.” Librarians are pretty awesome people. 🙂
yes, they are (in real life). 🙂