What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

Hi,

I read this book in Elementary school but cannot for the life of me remember the title. It was a work of fiction that revolved around this mythical place where words, spelling, and vocabulary games were a big thing. The only concrete thing I remember is the main character being stuck in a jail cell and to get out he's asked for a word with no vowels. When he can't think of one he is left in his cell and a note falls into his lap with the word "rhythm". Afterward he is saved from his cell from the girl who left him the note.

I'm hoping this is all bringing back some memories. I can't for the life of me remember the title and I would like to try and find this book. Someone please help!

Could you add some detail into the header, you're more likely to get help if you do as that is the first thing people will see.

Also, what year did you read this/ when do you think the book was published? Any clues as to the cover art?

Sounds like The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

I agree. It sounds like The Phantom Tollbooth

Hannah wrote: "Also, what year did you read this/ when do you think the book was published? Any clues as to the cover art?"

I read this back in Elementary school around 9 to 12 years old, that would mean... 1999 to 2002. It isn't the Phantom Tollbooth I've read that book and while it holds similar qualities the book had very little to do with any sort of math and mostly centered around words - spelling and vocabulary.

The book also featured sibling supporting characters, but that's really all I can remember at this point.

Aareeka is still looking for this. Updated post:

I've been looking for the title/book for a long time. I only remember bits and pieces of it and the fact that it was definitely one of my favorite chapter books as a kid.

All I remember was that there was a boy who got caught up in this other world/kingdom that had strange rules and word challenges he had to face. He stumbled across another boy who would eventually try to help him make it back home.

And the one thing I do remember very vividly was that one of the challenges included him being asked to name "the longest English word without any vowels" and he couldn't think of it so he was put in jail. When captured, someone slipped him a note that said, "rhythm" giving him the answer and it was revealed to be the sister of the boy that was helping him.

Those siblings break him out of jail and then the book continues. But that is about as much as I remember.

Was it potentially The Neverending Story

I don't know if it's too new, but maybe Lost in Lexicon, by Pendred Noyce?

Lost in Lexicon: An Adventure in Words and Numbers by Pendred Noyce - Kelly's suggestion

Aareeka, are you still looking for this or did you find it?