THE LEGEND OF THE LAST LIBRARY, by Frank L. Cole, Shadow Mountain, Aug. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
In a time when trees and paper no longer exist, a girl sets out to find a repository of books in The Legend of the Last Library, by Frank L. Cole.
After a devastating Blight killed off all the trees, paper is worth more than just about anything. Juni’s parents died when she was young, so now it’s just her and Grandpa Edgar. When she’s not in school, Juni and her friends Doler and Quaze turn to plifting—scavenging for any paper they can find. If Juni can find enough paper, she can pay for the health care Grandpa needs.
So when Juni discovers a book—the first one she’s ever seen—hidden in a box in her grandpa’s closet, she’s both surprised and elated thinking of the money she could get for it. That all changes when she decides to read the book. Beyond opening her imagination, the book contains clues that point to what could be the last library on Earth.
The library’s location has been hidden for more than a hundred years, but Juni and her friends are not the only ones looking for it. Ullred O’Donnell, head of R&D for Novexus, a megacorporation that replaced the government and now controls all information, is desperate to find the library as well. With an army of vicious robot dogs at his command, Ullred warns Juni to abandon her quest—or else.
Juni and her friends must find the library and share it with the world before Novexus claims it as their own. If reading one book could change Juni’s life, what would access to thousands—or millions—of books do? —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain
I’ve read a number of Frank L. Cole’s books — Champion’s Quest series, Potions Masters trilogy — but I think it’s with The Legend of the Last Library that Cole really comes into his own.
The Legend of the Last Library is set in a dystopian future that looks anything but great. Cole’s world-building skills here are strong, giving you the sense that you’re walking right beside Juni as she scavenges. And — without giving too much away — there’s a setting later in the book that kind of knocks your socks off.
Juni is a well-realized main character who readers will want to root for. She’s clever and determined and protective of those she cares for. Juni also has the ability to see beyond what’s right in front of her, which makes her all the more likeable.
The Legend of the Last Library is a fast-moving middle-grade novel that has broad appeal. I can see it being a popular checkout item in school and public libraries.
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