Lexi Magill and the Teleportation Tournament

Terrific nominee for the 2021-2022 Texas Bluebonnet Award!! Lexi needs to win this year’s Teleportation Tournament in order to re-enroll in the STEM-forward academy she had to leave when family finances changed. But her new school doesn’t have the usual science-focuses students to create the trio of brainiacs required to zip all over the world during a weekend of puzzle-solving and out-thinking other teams of brilliant students. But Ron and Mail will have fill the other two slots and she will have to just do the mental calisthenics for all of them. Or, will she? Tropes of true friends, new friends and teamwork abound in this novel, but with the dash of science fiction, plenty of travel, STEAM, and sports tidbits sprinkled throughout, not a one of them seems stale. Readers in grades 4-7 who enjoy books such as Chris Grabenstein’s Lemoncello series, Wendy Swore’s Strong Like the Sea, and older but still terrific books by Blue Balliett will love this one. No red flags for profanity, sexual content or violence.

Lexi Magill and the Teleportation Tournament is so much fun. It’s like Amazing Race with teleportation for kids! The history and puzzles are presented in a great accessible way for children. I want to visit all the places Lexi, Ron, and Mal do in the book and I’m sure kids will, too. Lexi is a relatable character with a fantastic voice. The dynamic between her and her teammates is well done with a great lesson on how everyone has something unique to offer to a contest and more importantly, friendship. I really enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down. If you love fun middle grade, don’t miss out on Kim Long’s Lexi!

What a fun read! I LOVED Lexi and her cleverness, her ambition to win, but also her realization at the end of the story. If you are a fan of the Amazing Race, you will be a fan of this book. Because that's what this book is—The Amazing Race for kids but with science! And being a former Wisconsinite, I really enjoyed the references to the Packers and the Brewers. After I read this book, I passed it on to my 10 year old niece in Wisconsin. I know she'll enjoy it!

Love this book! It’s perfect for fans of Chris Grabenstein’s Mr. Lemoncello’s Library books or Jess Keating’s Nikki Tesla books.It’s full of adventure - a world-wide, faced-paced competition, diversity, and the plight of a middle grader - how to tell a true friend from a not true friend. And how to appreciate the different strengths kids have.This makes a great independent read for upper elementary and middle schoolers or, because it’s an adventure story, it would work as a read-aloud or audio book for the whole family including younger kids.

This is such a smart, fun, and engaging read. My 10 year old son also read Lexi Magill and loved all the puzzles and teleporting to exciting locations. There are great lessons throughout about teamwork and adaptability.