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Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, 1) Hardcover – February 16, 2016
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Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians is the first action-packed fantasy adventure in the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series for young readers by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson.
These fast-paced and funny novels are now available in deluxe hardcover editions illustrated by Hayley Lazo.
On his thirteenth birthday, foster child Alcatraz Smedry gets a bag of sand in the mail-his only inheritance from his father and mother. He soon learns that this is no ordinary bag of sand. It is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians who are taking over the world by spreading misinformation and suppressing truth. Alcatraz must stop them, using the only weapon he has: an incredible talent for breaking things.
"In this original, hysterical homage to fantasy literature, Sanderson's first novel for youth recalls the best in Artemis Fowl and A Series of Unfortunate Events." -VOYA
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelPreschool - 2
- Lexile measure730L
- Dimensions5.85 x 1.05 x 8.55 inches
- PublisherStarscape
- Publication dateFebruary 16, 2016
- ISBN-100765378949
- ISBN-13978-0765378941
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“This is an excellent choice to read aloud to the whole family. It's funny, exciting, and briskly paced. Best of all, the message it gives young readers is that a person's flaws-being late, breaking things, etc.-can sometimes turn into useful talents.” ―Nancy Pearl on NPR'S Morning Edition
“A happily action-packed romp, with just the right amount of repartee between Alcatraz and his cantankerous teenage protector Bastille, and a cliffhanger ending that promises more of the same. Plus dinosaurs in tweed vests. Who could ask for more?” ―Horn Book
“In this original, hysterical homage to fantasy literature, Sanderson's first novel for youth recalls the best in Artemis Fowl and A Series of Unfortunate Events.” ―VOYA
About the Author
Hayley Lazo is the interior illustrator for the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series, and assorted artist/graphic designer at Dragonsteel Entertainment.
Product details
- Publisher : Starscape; First Edition (February 16, 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0765378949
- ISBN-13 : 978-0765378941
- Reading age : 8 - 13 years, from customers
- Lexile measure : 730L
- Grade level : Preschool - 2
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.85 x 1.05 x 8.55 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #95,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #206 in Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading
- #2,742 in Children's Humor
- #3,876 in Children's Action & Adventure Books (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

I’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.
Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, comes out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that will see the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and Secret Project Four (with its official title reveal coming October 2023). These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.
November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. The third era of Mistborn is slated to be written after the first arc of the Stormlight Archive wraps up.
In November 2020 we saw the release of Rhythm of War—the fourth massive book in the New York Times #1 bestselling Stormlight Archive series that began with The Way of Kings—and Dawnshard (book 3.5), a novella set in the same world that bridges the gaps between the main releases. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. The fifth volume, Wind and Truth, is set for release in fall 2024.
Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, and various novellas available on Amazon, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.
I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, come out in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.
Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the Legion series, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. There’s a lot of material to go around!
Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart,The Emperor’s Soul, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.
I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.
Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book amusing and enjoyable. They describe the story as creative, imaginative, and well-crafted. The book is considered suitable for readers of all ages, including adults. Readers appreciate the witty and clever writing style that pokes fun at common plot elements. The writing style is described as thoughtful, well-crafted, and the author teaches the tricks of the writing trade. The characters are described as likeable, charming, and flawed.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it amusing, engaging, and funny for kids and adults alike. The ideas are fun, and the plot elements are entertaining. Many readers mention that the book contains laugh-out-loud moments and is worth reading.
"...Aspiring Asimovs, what a horrible reason! Lots of fun, many laugh out loud moments, tons of humor and wit, with a great story to boot!..." Read more
"...I laugh so much, and the jokes are funny the second and third time through. The technology and magic are well explained and fun...." Read more
"...light, "Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians" is an entertaining introduction for kids to the works of Brandon Sanderson -- clever, imaginative..." Read more
"...Exceedingly silly, but funny for kids and grown-ups...." Read more
Customers enjoy the creative and fun story. They find it beyond the typical fantasy epic journey. The world and adventure are wonderful, and the author creates a unique and interesting world. The ideas are fun, the story hangs together well, and the series is creative and unique.
"...They are bubbly, charismatic, bold, audacious, and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. Wait, I said that did I not? Gack!..." Read more
"...The plot is just the right size and complexity, and the pacing was perfect...." Read more
"...It has the typical elaborate forms of magic that you'd expect of any of his books, presented with a whimsy AND menace that is thoroughly entertaining..." Read more
"...great about Sanderson's stuff is that it's beyond the typical fantasy-epic-journey type story like you'd find in Paolini or MacHale...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book for all ages. They say it's appropriate for middle grade readers as young as 8 years old. The book is suitable for adults and kids alike, with some finding it enjoyable even as a childless adult. Many reviewers mention that the book is a great way to teach literary terms and concepts. It's a must-have for children's libraries and great to read out loud to kids.
"...Alcatraz would be great to read out loud to your kids (I'd say ages 9-12), and you won't be bored in the process!" Read more
"...Content/Appropriateness This is more than appropriate for a middle grade (as low as 8 years) audience...." Read more
"...A must own for any children's library or in my case a adults libraray." Read more
"This story is meant for kids but I enjoyed it as a childless adult...." Read more
Customers find the book witty and clever. They appreciate the author's fun writing style that pokes fun at common plot tropes. The humor is described as witty, clever, and entertaining. Readers also appreciate the humorous meta-commentary on Sanderson's other works.
"...Lots of fun, many laugh out loud moments, tons of humor and wit, with a great story to boot!..." Read more
"...Plus, these books are illustrated. Reader thoughts: Alcatraz is witty, slightly sacrastic (but not rude), and he pokes fun at readers..." Read more
"...It's whimsical nonsense ("secret" continents, evil Librarians and paper monsters), but he clearly relished reveling in that nonsense -- the..." Read more
"...Plus, the narrator IS entertaining. This book did make me laugh out loud a few times, which is honestly pretty tough to do...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the books well-written, exciting, and full of wit. The author is great with magic and deconstructing tropes. The stories are written in first person but also break the fourth wall. Readers describe the books as intelligent, fun, and made for their kind of mind.
"...The books are written from the first person perspective of Alcatraz Smedry, written as a biography of how he became the hero of the Free Kingdom and..." Read more
"...Much about this book is so clever, including the Smedry talents..." Read more
"...and quirky first-person narration..." Read more
"...The author is also great with magic...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's characters. They find them strong, fun, and likable. The lead character Alcatraz is described as quirky and self-deprecating. Readers also appreciate the complex antagonists and the introduction of a new hero.
"...They are bubbly, charismatic, bold, audacious, and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. Wait, I said that did I not? Gack!..." Read more
"...I really liked how all the characters worked together, and that each was unique...." Read more
"...And Alcatraz himself is a fun lead character -- snarky, self-deprecating, and constantly reminding us that he's not a nice person..." Read more
"...Alcatraz in particular is an interesting character who struggles with his accident-prone nature, until he learns it's a 'Talent'..." Read more
Customers enjoy the illustrations in the book. They appreciate the visuals throughout the story and find the new design appealing. The book presents a colorful adventure with a fantastic map printed inside. Overall, readers find it an attractive re-release.
"Everything by Sanderson is amazing! Plus, these books are illustrated...." Read more
"...In the meantime, Sanderson presents us with a fun, colorful adventure that jaunts along at a rapid pace, full of funny little moments..." Read more
"...Not just one or two pictures like some books have, but drawings throughout the entire story... even more than I could imagine!..." Read more
"...I'm definitely more into Mistborn, personally. Also, I liked the illustrations, but I found the character descriptions frequent and vivid enough to..." Read more
Customers have different views on the violence level in the book. Some find it witty and poignant, deconstructing tropes and clichés. Others feel the writing is clever but not clever enough, excessively silly, and contrived.
"...are bubbly, charismatic, bold, audacious, and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. Wait, I said that did I not? Gack!..." Read more
"...Exceedingly silly, but funny for kids and grown-ups...." Read more
"...Reader thoughts: Alcatraz is witty, slightly sacrastic (but not rude), and he pokes fun at readers and writers alike...." Read more
"...There are references and scenes concerning torture and the violence is real, but nothing is described in too vivid or overly horrific detail as to..." Read more
Reviews with images

Amazon Review of my book, Evil Librarians/ Reading Journal Activity.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2016Everything by Sanderson is amazing! Plus, these books are illustrated.
Reader thoughts: Alcatraz is witty, slightly sacrastic (but not rude), and he pokes fun at readers and writers alike. He makes fun of things like: the fantasy genre, people who skip to the last page; literary techniques like cliffhangers. I can (and do) read these books over and over. I laugh so much, and the jokes are funny the second and third time through.
The technology and magic are well explained and fun. Glass is magical. Glasses are magical. Some people can use magical glasses, and some people can use magical talents (like arriving late or tripping spectacularly). Some people, like Alcatraz and his grandfather, can do both.
Much about this book is so clever, including the Smedry talents (who knew you could stop a drought by washing dishes? Or that speaking gibberish at an interrogation would be a good idea?). The talking dinosaurs, encyclopedia altar, and romance book monsters were just too fun.
The plot is just the right size and complexity, and the pacing was perfect. One horrible birthday, one assassin, one hideout, and one library to infiltrate. Oh, and the library has a dungeon, a torture room, and a one-eyed dark occulator.
I really liked how all the characters worked together, and that each was unique. Their voices are all different, but they're all somehow clever and funny. They each have their own pasts and motivations (like the Mokian, Sing, who is an antrhopologist, or Bastille, who gave up her dream of being an occulator in order to become a Knight of Crystallia).
Alcatraz is quite an annoying narrator, though, and he never misses an opportunity to interrupt with a nearly useless paragraph of information once or twice in each chapter (usually his interruptions have to do with trying to convince the reader he is not a very nice narrator). However, he is still funny to read, and fairly bright.
Writer thoughts: Sanderson has said these books were longer (I think 65k words), and his publisher made him cut them to 55k words. When an author is on a word budget, no sentences are wasted. Every piece of information in these books moves the plot forward. Every description is short and powerful. Every line of dialogue is necessary and funny.
Then we have Alcatraz's interruptions. They take up a page at the beginning of every chapter. Why weren't they cut?
It's because, despite initial assumptions, those interruptions are vital to the story.
They show the reader Alcatraz's character.
They make the reader laugh.
And they make the reader want to slap Alcatraz for being so annoying.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2011Below is an excerpt of my full review of the first four books in the Alcatraz series:
This review goes in line with that of the Alcatraz series, more specifically the attitude of a Smedry. You see, they are trouble makers, and are prone to getting themselves into life threatening situations. They have an uncharacteristic attitude when dealing with any situation. The more danger, the more excited they are. Through thick and thin, Smedry's are rarely to be found with a sour mood. They are bubbly, charismatic, bold, audacious, and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. Wait, I said that did I not? Gack! You see, I imitating a number of characters found in this book. Granpa Smedry, Alcatraz, talking dinosaurs. Yes, you read correctly, talking dinosaurs with a British accent, and as we know, those Brits are refined, calm, and well-mannered; dinosaurs are no exception! They really know how to cause trouble for Librarians, like eating the entire C section of the Science Fiction shelf and moving six books out of their proper places. Okay, so maybe they are useless as Bastille said... The only thing worse than talking dinosaurs are talking rocks, but I tell you, the dinosaurs are a treat! To round off this paragraph, I leave you this quote from Grandpa Smedry if you think I am making any of this up:
I am a Smedry, and we do ridiculous, unexpected, eccentric things like this all the time.
The Alcatraz series is a tremendously fun read. My friend that recommended Mistorn and Elantris did not bother giving these books a shot because of their young adult emphasis, despite being a lover of Sanderson's work. Aspiring Asimovs, what a horrible reason! Lots of fun, many laugh out loud moments, tons of humor and wit, with a great story to boot! The books are written from the first person perspective of Alcatraz Smedry, written as a biography of how he became the hero of the Free Kingdom and to dispel the many myths about how it happened. The books are much shorter than all of Sanderson's other works, easily read in two or three days, and are extremely enjoyable. I cannot recommend these books enough!
Unfortunately Scholastic decided to not sign Sanderson for the fifth and final book. According to his assistant via Twitter, Sanderson will finish the series, but it's still a few years out, which is a shame. When I found out about this, I shook my fist at Scholastic and demanded they be burned alive with the Firebringer's Lens. You'll have to read the books to know what that's about ;)
Top reviews from other countries
- BekReviewed in Canada on February 14, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
My oldest son loves to read, but my youngest avoids it like the plague. I bought this series and started reading it to him at bed time. He loved it so much that he sneaks out of bed at night and steals the book (which I let him think he shouldn’t do) so he can read ahead of me. It’s funny with lots of action. And of course anything Brandon Sanderson is a win!
- EmReviewed in Italy on January 20, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars All ages...
This book is amazing: I can't decide if it's genius or ridiculous, if it's funny or silly. I remember I got similar feelings while reading "The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy" even though they're quite different books. Definitely worth reading the rest of the books too, considering they are both short and enjoyable.
- AlaranReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Are dinosaurs British?
A very well written and enjoyable children's book with a wry, satirical sense of humour that will simultaneously entertain adults as well as amuse children.
It is a story concerned with our world not being as we think we know it. It is based around the concept that evil librarians rule the world behind the scenes and suppress the peoples of it with lies, manipulation and sometimes force. The story is told from the perspective of the main protagonist, the eponymous Alcatraz. He is an orphan in our world who discovers he is the last in the family line of Smedry, a leading magical family in the battle against librarian oppression in this mysterious hidden world.
A lot of this magical world and its inhabitants are left half explained as it is gradually revealed through the cynical eyes of Alcatraz. There is a lot of establishing ideas which will no doubt be fleshed out in the several sequels. Many of these concepts are very intriguing and need developing further.
The highlight of this book, however, is the first person perspective and writing style. In this way it is very different from much of Sanderson's other work (almost as if it is a different author) despite some similar themes and content. The idea that Alcatraz is actually the author and Brandon Sanderson only a pseudonym gives another level to the book and provides plenty of entertainment as the author mocks his own art form.
This is a great novel for the children's/young adult market. But any adult who has enjoyed Sanderson other work should definitely give this a go. The question above will also be answered.
-
ageofextremesReviewed in Japan on November 15, 2013
4.0 out of 5 stars 秀逸なYA小説(大人も十分楽しめます)
日本では「ミストボーン」シリーズや(ロバート・ジョーダンの後を継いだ)「時の車輪」シリーズを完結させたことで有名なブランドン・サンダーソンのYA小説。発表は2007年10月です。
主人公はAlcatraz Smedry(以下、アルカトラズ)。孤児(小説の最初は)。フォスター・ファミリーを転々と、というか、たらい回しにされている。なぜか?彼には特異な力(才能?)があった。人が大切にしているものを壊してしまうのだ。それゆえどこのフォスター・ファミリーもアルカトラズを扱い損ねるか、アルカトラズに愛想をつかす、というわけ。
13歳になったある日郵便が届く。中を開けると「(ただの)砂」。差出人は、と見るとなんと両親から。砂はアルカトラズへの遺産だという。「自分には両親がいなかったのでは?」「いたならいたで、なぜ、今ここに住んでいるとわかったのだろう?」疑問は膨らむ。そんな中、祖父を名乗る人物が登場する。「誕生日に郵便物が届いたろう。あれはどうした?今どこにある?」「あれ?ない!」誰かによって既に盗まれていたのだ。単なる砂、とアルカトラズには思われていたものは、実はとてつもなく貴重な「Sands of Rashid」だったのだ。
アルカトラズは祖父から、この世界の多くが実際には「Evil Librarians」によって支配され、そして今もその支配領域が広がり続けていること、世の中の情報が「Evil Librarians」によって(都合のよいように)操作されていること等を教わる(なんか映画の「Matrix」っぽいですね)。なんと、世界には一般人が知らない大陸が3つもあるというのだ。そして、さらに、アルカトラズは「Evil Librarians」に対抗する「The Free Kingdom」の中で最も重要な家系(Smedry家)に属する人物であることを知らされるのだった。
アルカトラズは、祖父、いとこのSing SingとQuentin、さらには祖父のボディーガードである13歳の武道の達人、Bastilleと一緒に、奪われた「Sands of Rashid」を奪還すべく敵の拠点である市の図書館に乗り込むのだった。。。
こう書くと何かファンタジー小説として「正当な!?」感じがしますが、ギャグも多く、かなり笑いながら、そして気軽に読める小説です。アルカトラズの才能は「ものを壊すこと」。これはまあ、まだまともに見えますが、祖父の才能は「物事に遅れること」。Sing Singの才能は「突然、躓いたり転ぶこと」。Quentinの才能は「意味不明の言辞を弄すること」。ギャグとしか思えない才能も、サンダーソンの筆にかかると小説の中で重要な意味をもってきます。
ヤングアダルト向けに書かれてはいますが、大人ももちろん楽しめます。現在第4作まで発表されています。
- Jan RankReviewed in Germany on October 7, 2009
5.0 out of 5 stars Georgeous
This book is recommended for readers between the ages of nine to twelve. Well, it was one of the funniest books I ever read and it is certainly worth reading, even if you should happen to be in your twenties (I'm 27, by the way, and a fan of 'hard space operas' and 'hard science fiction' and fantasy operas/series; i. e. for example works by authors like alastair reynolds, dan symmons, peter f. hamilton, scott lynch, jim butcher, a.s.o....) or older. I've never laughed so hard since aeons, as when Sanderson described the 'Talent' for the first time or the different stages and values of science in his two societies.
Everyone should read this book and, of course, beware off the evil Librarians, because they will reduce your mind's worlds; and imagination shall never flourish again, if you miss this work of art!
Für alle Deutschen, die diese 'Rezension' lesen: wenn Ihr Eltern seid, setzt in Eurem Elternbeirat durch, daß die angestaubten Werke von Shakespeare und Co. im Englisch-Unterricht nicht als "so bedeutend" bewertet werden, wie dieses moderne Buch! Es ist schnell gelesen (weil groß geschrieben und mitreißend), voller Wortspiele und Idiome; wichtiger noch: es macht beim Lesen einfach nur Spaß. So kann man seine Kinder bilden, ohne 'große Literatur' - die kommt im Deutschunterricht eh schon zu häufig zum tragen!