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Busted
When 12-year-old Oscar Aberdeen decided he would do anything to save the only home he's ever known, he didn't realize that anything would include theft, trespassing, gambling, a broken nose, grand theft auto, a federal prison, and a police car chase. He had no idea it would be so dangerous…or so fun. A heartfelt middle-grade romp from the New York Times-bestselling author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise.
Oscar Aberdeen is a bit of an oddball. He's an ace at playing bridge, loves Frank Sinatra, and attends a whole lot of funerals. He's also the youngest resident of Sunny Days retirement home by more than a half-century―and he wouldn't have it any other way. So when his grandpa's suddenly served an eviction notice that threatens their place at Sunny Days, he needs to find some cash. Fast.
Enter Jimmy Deluca, a shady elderly man with a reputation for being bad news, who makes Oscar an offer he can't refuse. He's got the drop on riches hidden away on the "outside" and he'll share the loot with Oscar on one condition: he busts him out of Sunny Days.
In this humdinger of an adventure, the ultimate odd couple, along with an uninvited stowaway, go from high-stakes escape to rollicking escapade as they search for the secret stash―and forge an unlikely friendship along the way. Will Oscar succeed in saving the only home he's ever known? Or will he have to fuggedaboutit and return a failure?
Oscar Aberdeen is a bit of an oddball. He's an ace at playing bridge, loves Frank Sinatra, and attends a whole lot of funerals. He's also the youngest resident of Sunny Days retirement home by more than a half-century―and he wouldn't have it any other way. So when his grandpa's suddenly served an eviction notice that threatens their place at Sunny Days, he needs to find some cash. Fast.
Enter Jimmy Deluca, a shady elderly man with a reputation for being bad news, who makes Oscar an offer he can't refuse. He's got the drop on riches hidden away on the "outside" and he'll share the loot with Oscar on one condition: he busts him out of Sunny Days.
In this humdinger of an adventure, the ultimate odd couple, along with an uninvited stowaway, go from high-stakes escape to rollicking escapade as they search for the secret stash―and forge an unlikely friendship along the way. Will Oscar succeed in saving the only home he's ever known? Or will he have to fuggedaboutit and return a failure?
352 pages, Hardcover
Published October 7, 2025
67 people are currently reading
3392 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
July 15, 2025
If I could give this book ten stars, I would! The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking it would be such a fun class read-aloud. I absolutely loved the storyline and the cast of characters was perfect. I am not sure if I needed tissues because I was laughing so hard or because I was bawling my eyes out. Regardless, it had all the feels.
I know this is book is going to be a big hit with teachers and students.
I know this is book is going to be a big hit with teachers and students.
June 3, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Oscar Aberdeen has lived with his 75 year old grandfather, Pops, at the Sunny Days Retirement Community in New Jersey ever since the death of both of his parents when they were bring the infant Oscar home from the hospital. It's been a good life; Oscar is the head of the celebrations committee that plans parties, he gives many eulogies, and he knows how to dress for special occasions in a suit, dress shoes, and cufflinks. When the owner, Frank Howell, dies, his son takes over. Oscar meets Frank's granddaughter, Natasha, who offers some explanation when Pops' rent is increased so much that the two will have to leave and find another place to live. Natasha says that the community is running out of money since rents were never raised, and her father is hoping to turn the business around by getting tenants who can pay more. It's nothing personal. To Oscar, who has been raised with a plethora of grandparents, it is intensely personal. When new resident Jimmy DeLuca, a rumored ex-mobster, has a proposition for Oscar that might enable him and Pops to stay put, he's all ears. In exchange for help in breaking out of the rest home, Jimmy will give Oscar a substantial amount of cash, all obtained legally. The catch? Jimmy is 104 and on oxygen. Also, he'll be driving his own baby blue Kaiser Dragon on their adventure in New Jersey. Oscar uses his knowledge of the facility and its staff to bust Jimmy out, but encounter Natasha in her bathing suit, on the way to the hot tub. She wants in on the adventure or will alert the authorities. This necessitates a stop by the mall to buy her clothing, and Oscar even has to purchase unmentionables for her. She is a help, however, in taking care of Jimmy's hairless cat, Mr. Buttercup, on the road. Jimmy's "bucket list" starts off fairly tamely, with a fantastic dinner at an Italian restaurant. Oscar isn't happy with the "dine and ditch" approach, so he goes back to leave some of Jimmy's cash, which makes the next stop, picking up a $300 cigar, a bit more difficult. Oscar ends up getting punched, hence the black eye on the cover. Jimmy wants to apologize to his colleague, Thumbs, who is in prison, while Jimmy got away, and Jimmy somehow knows that Oscar has someone he needs to speak to there as well. The group visits the house where Jimmy lived with his wife and daughter Maria, and learn that the daughter's untimely death is what led Jimmy into a life of crime that he deeply regrets. There is a stop at a tattoo parlor, and also a gambling den, where Jimmy loses the car in a game of high stakes poker. Since the group needs wheels to get around, they steal a car. When a silver alert appears on the news, they realize that the kids' phones are being tracked, and turn them off. Jimmy's final item is to sit on the beach, where he was happy with Maria. Oscar is alarmed to find out that Jimmy's oxygen tank is almost empty, but Jimmy is not. Even though the police are closing in, the day is over for the group anyway, especially for Jimmy.
Strengths: I've been a fan of breaking senior citizens out of facilities since Cooney's 2006 Hit the Road, so getting Jimmy the Wrench out of Sunny Days was a great adventure. His possible dealings with the Mob makes this even more appealing; what middle schooler doesn't harbor vague thoughts of being on the wrong side of the law? Oscar doesn't, of course, since he has learned the most polite behavior on God's green earth, dagnabit. That's where having Natasha along for the ride comes in handy. She has a reason for seizing the day, and does it with a vengeance. The pacing of this books was particularly well done; we get just enough of Oscar's daily life to become invested in his continued residence, but are soon compelled onto the road in a sweet car with a complicated older individual. We don't get enough time with Jimmy, but what we learn of him is realistic, and his end, while a little sad, makes sense. I know that Gemeinhart's 2019 The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise has LOTS of fans among teachers and librarians; this will be a much bigger hit with actual tweens, since there is more adventure and less soul searching.
Weaknesses: Is it possible that middle grade books involving senior living communities is becoming a trend? We've seen this theme since Sonneblick's 2005 Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, but I've not really talked with my students about how much they are interested in this. Also, Gemeinhart seems to be fond of killing off parents; this had a complicated, very realistic backstory twist that I don't want to spoil, but I did prefer Korman's artifice of having his main characters parents in Belgium with international careers so he could like in a senior facility with his grandmother in Old School.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like roadtrips with senior citizens and classic cars, like Cartaya's new A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation, Bradley's The Road to Wherever, or Ponti's The Sherlock Society. The East Coast setting also reminded me a bit of Nokowitz's The Prince of Steel Pier.
Oscar Aberdeen has lived with his 75 year old grandfather, Pops, at the Sunny Days Retirement Community in New Jersey ever since the death of both of his parents when they were bring the infant Oscar home from the hospital. It's been a good life; Oscar is the head of the celebrations committee that plans parties, he gives many eulogies, and he knows how to dress for special occasions in a suit, dress shoes, and cufflinks. When the owner, Frank Howell, dies, his son takes over. Oscar meets Frank's granddaughter, Natasha, who offers some explanation when Pops' rent is increased so much that the two will have to leave and find another place to live. Natasha says that the community is running out of money since rents were never raised, and her father is hoping to turn the business around by getting tenants who can pay more. It's nothing personal. To Oscar, who has been raised with a plethora of grandparents, it is intensely personal. When new resident Jimmy DeLuca, a rumored ex-mobster, has a proposition for Oscar that might enable him and Pops to stay put, he's all ears. In exchange for help in breaking out of the rest home, Jimmy will give Oscar a substantial amount of cash, all obtained legally. The catch? Jimmy is 104 and on oxygen. Also, he'll be driving his own baby blue Kaiser Dragon on their adventure in New Jersey. Oscar uses his knowledge of the facility and its staff to bust Jimmy out, but encounter Natasha in her bathing suit, on the way to the hot tub. She wants in on the adventure or will alert the authorities. This necessitates a stop by the mall to buy her clothing, and Oscar even has to purchase unmentionables for her. She is a help, however, in taking care of Jimmy's hairless cat, Mr. Buttercup, on the road. Jimmy's "bucket list" starts off fairly tamely, with a fantastic dinner at an Italian restaurant. Oscar isn't happy with the "dine and ditch" approach, so he goes back to leave some of Jimmy's cash, which makes the next stop, picking up a $300 cigar, a bit more difficult. Oscar ends up getting punched, hence the black eye on the cover. Jimmy wants to apologize to his colleague, Thumbs, who is in prison, while Jimmy got away, and Jimmy somehow knows that Oscar has someone he needs to speak to there as well. The group visits the house where Jimmy lived with his wife and daughter Maria, and learn that the daughter's untimely death is what led Jimmy into a life of crime that he deeply regrets. There is a stop at a tattoo parlor, and also a gambling den, where Jimmy loses the car in a game of high stakes poker. Since the group needs wheels to get around, they steal a car. When a silver alert appears on the news, they realize that the kids' phones are being tracked, and turn them off. Jimmy's final item is to sit on the beach, where he was happy with Maria. Oscar is alarmed to find out that Jimmy's oxygen tank is almost empty, but Jimmy is not. Even though the police are closing in, the day is over for the group anyway, especially for Jimmy.
Strengths: I've been a fan of breaking senior citizens out of facilities since Cooney's 2006 Hit the Road, so getting Jimmy the Wrench out of Sunny Days was a great adventure. His possible dealings with the Mob makes this even more appealing; what middle schooler doesn't harbor vague thoughts of being on the wrong side of the law? Oscar doesn't, of course, since he has learned the most polite behavior on God's green earth, dagnabit. That's where having Natasha along for the ride comes in handy. She has a reason for seizing the day, and does it with a vengeance. The pacing of this books was particularly well done; we get just enough of Oscar's daily life to become invested in his continued residence, but are soon compelled onto the road in a sweet car with a complicated older individual. We don't get enough time with Jimmy, but what we learn of him is realistic, and his end, while a little sad, makes sense. I know that Gemeinhart's 2019 The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise has LOTS of fans among teachers and librarians; this will be a much bigger hit with actual tweens, since there is more adventure and less soul searching.
Weaknesses: Is it possible that middle grade books involving senior living communities is becoming a trend? We've seen this theme since Sonneblick's 2005 Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, but I've not really talked with my students about how much they are interested in this. Also, Gemeinhart seems to be fond of killing off parents; this had a complicated, very realistic backstory twist that I don't want to spoil, but I did prefer Korman's artifice of having his main characters parents in Belgium with international careers so he could like in a senior facility with his grandmother in Old School.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like roadtrips with senior citizens and classic cars, like Cartaya's new A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation, Bradley's The Road to Wherever, or Ponti's The Sherlock Society. The East Coast setting also reminded me a bit of Nokowitz's The Prince of Steel Pier.
May 6, 2025
How does Dan Gemeinhart do it, book after book after book?? This is another absolute page-turning high-stakes adventure that is bursting with incredible characters! Once again, he had me crying on one page, then howling with laughter the next. Highly recommend! This one would make such a fun class read-aloud!
March 6, 2026
4.5 stars
Holy quack! I quacking loved this latest from Gemeinhart. I laughed, I cried, I resolved to get out of my comfort zone and squeeze the orange. YOLO and YODO! IYKYK
But seriously, if you’re an adult who isn’t reading middle-grade fiction, you’re missing out. Authors like Dan Gemeinhart, Gary D. Schmidt, Lauren Wolk, and Gennifer Choldenko are writing masterpieces that are both highly entertaining and heartfelt with some pretty deep themes.
This was my pick for our family book club (which I now realize needs a cool name), made up of my husband, our adult children, and their spouses. We all agreed it was great fun with laugh-out-loud moments. We loved watching the characters grow and appreciated the surprising revelations about them as the story unfolded. We also decided that if this ever becomes a movie, my husband is a shoo-in to play Jimmy Deluca—his gangster accent is impressively spot-on. I can still hear it in my head:
“It means, like, ya know, live ya life a little. Here we are. I take ya to this great place. I get this primo food. Ya got this chance, right here in front of ya. Once in a lifetime, maybe. Like ya holding a big juicy orange. Don’t just look at it, kid. Squeeze it. Get that juice.”
Holy quack! I quacking loved this latest from Gemeinhart. I laughed, I cried, I resolved to get out of my comfort zone and squeeze the orange. YOLO and YODO! IYKYK
But seriously, if you’re an adult who isn’t reading middle-grade fiction, you’re missing out. Authors like Dan Gemeinhart, Gary D. Schmidt, Lauren Wolk, and Gennifer Choldenko are writing masterpieces that are both highly entertaining and heartfelt with some pretty deep themes.
This was my pick for our family book club (which I now realize needs a cool name), made up of my husband, our adult children, and their spouses. We all agreed it was great fun with laugh-out-loud moments. We loved watching the characters grow and appreciated the surprising revelations about them as the story unfolded. We also decided that if this ever becomes a movie, my husband is a shoo-in to play Jimmy Deluca—his gangster accent is impressively spot-on. I can still hear it in my head:
“It means, like, ya know, live ya life a little. Here we are. I take ya to this great place. I get this primo food. Ya got this chance, right here in front of ya. Once in a lifetime, maybe. Like ya holding a big juicy orange. Don’t just look at it, kid. Squeeze it. Get that juice.”
Did not finish
November 5, 2025I didn't like that the author needed to have a character that cussed and then the middle grade character would translate it as the word "Quack" instead of saying the F word. It just doesn't need to be in middle grade books. So, I DNFed it.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoy Dan’s writing style. Is it a book that has unrealistic life events happening that probably wouldn’t happen to a normal 12 year old? Yes! But does he make it feel totally normal? Yes!
October 23, 2025
A delight! Hilarious, heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at once. Ex-mobster convinces (bribes) middle grade boy to bust him out of his locked retirement community in order to spend the day doing the things he just wants to do one last time (his bucket list). But not everything (almost nothing) goes as planned.
February 28, 2026
A surprisingly heartwarming romp
December 27, 2025
This was one of the best and most memorable books I have read for a long time. From when you first step into the book a boy named Oscar goes to his 49th funeral when he is 12. There is a girl at that funeral that Oscar met that later became his friend. Later in the book, Jimmy, Oscar, and Natasha go on a quest to complete a few things that Jimmy wants to do before he “dies.” Oscar starts to think he made the wrong decision of coming on the quest because things start to become sketchy. Will Oscar complete the quest with his friends or will Jimmy “die?”
P.S: This book almost made me cry. It showed me how books come to life, and how you can get 2-3 different feelings at once. I hope you have similar feelings about this book too.
P.S: This book almost made me cry. It showed me how books come to life, and how you can get 2-3 different feelings at once. I hope you have similar feelings about this book too.
August 14, 2025
4.5- A little more edgy than some of his others... lying, stealing, blackmail, buying bras... Fantastic characters though, and a plot that grabs you and won't let go until the last page. If you can set some moral compunctions aside, you will definitely enjoy this book.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! all opinions are my own.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! all opinions are my own.
September 27, 2025
Everything a great middle school read book should be!!! A few trigger warnings as death is covered extensively along a LOT of “quacking” instead of swearing. (But character is a gangster so not unexpected). I enjoyed the uncovering of layers with this unlikely trio that moved at a pace middle schoolers would appreciate with plenty of laughs and ridiculousness along the way.
August 30, 2025
5 stars
Dan Gemeinhart's characters have brought me so much joy, and Oscar Aberdeen is no exception.
Oscar is an unusual MG protagonist, who both reveals aspects of a typical 12-year-old and also some qualities of a senior citizen (or at least a much more mature adult). The latter can be largely attributed to Oscar's unusual upbringing. Oscar has been raised by his grandfather in a senior community due to the tragic absence of his parents. Though his parents are not part of his life, Oscar has been showered with love from his grandfather and the whole community, and this has also given Oscar an up-close view of the fragility of life, the joy of great music, and a strong moral compass. He's truly a remarkable kid.
Oscar ends up on quite an adventure with a resident and another youngster, and the details of this adventure really make the book, so they won't be spoiled here. Fans of the _Coyote_ books (and others in Gemeinhart's collection) will really appreciate the familiar (not repetitive - but, in other words, well articulated as expected) way this adventure is depicted, the careful treatment of challenging motifs, and the richness of these characters. This book will pluck all of your heartstrings, and you'll want to dive back in for another read or listen anyway.
I enjoy this author so much, and this newest book met my high incoming expectations. I look forward to recommending it to students and interested parties alike.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Jordin Streeter at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Macmillan Audio for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Dan Gemeinhart's characters have brought me so much joy, and Oscar Aberdeen is no exception.
Oscar is an unusual MG protagonist, who both reveals aspects of a typical 12-year-old and also some qualities of a senior citizen (or at least a much more mature adult). The latter can be largely attributed to Oscar's unusual upbringing. Oscar has been raised by his grandfather in a senior community due to the tragic absence of his parents. Though his parents are not part of his life, Oscar has been showered with love from his grandfather and the whole community, and this has also given Oscar an up-close view of the fragility of life, the joy of great music, and a strong moral compass. He's truly a remarkable kid.
Oscar ends up on quite an adventure with a resident and another youngster, and the details of this adventure really make the book, so they won't be spoiled here. Fans of the _Coyote_ books (and others in Gemeinhart's collection) will really appreciate the familiar (not repetitive - but, in other words, well articulated as expected) way this adventure is depicted, the careful treatment of challenging motifs, and the richness of these characters. This book will pluck all of your heartstrings, and you'll want to dive back in for another read or listen anyway.
I enjoy this author so much, and this newest book met my high incoming expectations. I look forward to recommending it to students and interested parties alike.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Jordin Streeter at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Macmillan Audio for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 9, 2025
Grateful to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for sharing an early copy of an incredible new favorite middle grade story from Dan Gemeinhart!
Twelve year old Oscar has been living with his Pops at Sunny Days Retirement Community since he was a baby. The only home he’s ever known, Oscar loves it there, with activities like poker games, garden club, and craft time to keep him busy. When needed, he’s also the giver of eulogies, and he’s had plenty of opportunities to perfect his craft.
When the owner of the community passes away, his son takes over and decides to raise the residents’ rent. So when Sunny Days newest resident, Jimmy “the wrench” Deluca, offers Oscar a chance to earn some cash that might allow Pops and him to stay, it’s an offer Oscar can’t refuse. All Oscar has to do is bust Jimmy out of the retirement joint.
Traveling in a 1953 Kaiser Dragon, Oscar begins an adventure that includes trespassing, gambling, some punches to the face, grand theft auto, and a short visit to a federal prison.
As always, Gemeinhart has included an incredible cast of characters in this story of friendship, choices, home, and doing the right thing.
Readers will laugh. Cry. And hopefully learn to squeeze the quacking orange.
Publishes October 7th. Pre-order now.
ARC Page 339
“He taught me that you get only one life. So you should squeeze the orange. And he taught me that being good is a choice. It’s a choice any of us, and all of us, can make.”
Twelve year old Oscar has been living with his Pops at Sunny Days Retirement Community since he was a baby. The only home he’s ever known, Oscar loves it there, with activities like poker games, garden club, and craft time to keep him busy. When needed, he’s also the giver of eulogies, and he’s had plenty of opportunities to perfect his craft.
When the owner of the community passes away, his son takes over and decides to raise the residents’ rent. So when Sunny Days newest resident, Jimmy “the wrench” Deluca, offers Oscar a chance to earn some cash that might allow Pops and him to stay, it’s an offer Oscar can’t refuse. All Oscar has to do is bust Jimmy out of the retirement joint.
Traveling in a 1953 Kaiser Dragon, Oscar begins an adventure that includes trespassing, gambling, some punches to the face, grand theft auto, and a short visit to a federal prison.
As always, Gemeinhart has included an incredible cast of characters in this story of friendship, choices, home, and doing the right thing.
Readers will laugh. Cry. And hopefully learn to squeeze the quacking orange.
Publishes October 7th. Pre-order now.
ARC Page 339
“He taught me that you get only one life. So you should squeeze the orange. And he taught me that being good is a choice. It’s a choice any of us, and all of us, can make.”
September 18, 2025
Book Report: Busted
My Thoughts: Oh man…I love this book 💛Truly whatever Dan Gemeinhart crafts is a delight ✨The cover itself hints at the shenanigans waiting inside and I laughed out loud more than once…it was quacking hilarious 🦆😂 (IYKYK) Oscar Aberdeen is a little different from most kids…he’d rather play bridge 🃏sing along to Sinatra 🎶and hang out at a retirement home 🏠 than anywhere else. But when an eviction notice threatens the only home he’s ever known…Oscar finds himself teaming up with Jimmy Deluca a shady old timer 👴 with a wild plan that involves a breakout…a hidden stash 💰and a whole lot of chaos. As much as this book had me giggling 🤭 it also hit me in the heart ❤️It’s a road trip/adventure story 🚗 full of humor…unlikely friendships and tender truths that remind you to squeeze the quacking orange 🍊🦆 while you can.
My Question for Dan: Oscar’s quirks …Sinatra, bridge, funerals….are so specific. Did any of those come from you as a kid?
Thank you Macmillan Audio| Macmillan Young Listeners for the ALC
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
My Thoughts: Oh man…I love this book 💛Truly whatever Dan Gemeinhart crafts is a delight ✨The cover itself hints at the shenanigans waiting inside and I laughed out loud more than once…it was quacking hilarious 🦆😂 (IYKYK) Oscar Aberdeen is a little different from most kids…he’d rather play bridge 🃏sing along to Sinatra 🎶and hang out at a retirement home 🏠 than anywhere else. But when an eviction notice threatens the only home he’s ever known…Oscar finds himself teaming up with Jimmy Deluca a shady old timer 👴 with a wild plan that involves a breakout…a hidden stash 💰and a whole lot of chaos. As much as this book had me giggling 🤭 it also hit me in the heart ❤️It’s a road trip/adventure story 🚗 full of humor…unlikely friendships and tender truths that remind you to squeeze the quacking orange 🍊🦆 while you can.
My Question for Dan: Oscar’s quirks …Sinatra, bridge, funerals….are so specific. Did any of those come from you as a kid?
Thank you Macmillan Audio| Macmillan Young Listeners for the ALC
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
October 9, 2025
I’m in awe of how good this book was. Honestly probably one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. The story just sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down. This is the type of book that both adults and kids alike will love because it’s so relatable, but over-the-top. It has good laughs as well as sad moments, and the message is just so beautiful. I loved how this was about two kids who broke an old man out of a retirement home to help him with his bucket list. It was just amazing how many unconventional situations they got into, while trying to hide from the police. I honestly cannot express in words how amazing this book was and how much of a joy it was to read. If you have a middle grade reader or just enjoy reading them yourself, I highly recommend this one, especially the audiobook because it just makes such a great story.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ALC, which does not affect my review.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ALC, which does not affect my review.
July 23, 2025
For many people, Coyote Sunrise is probably Dan Gemeinhardt’s most memorable character. But Oscar Aberdeen is here to give Coyote a run for her money. At first, I was afraid this book might be something like Gordon Korman’s Schooled with its similar setting of a middle schooler being raised in an old folks home. However, that setting is where the similarities end. Oscar Aberdeen is indeed a 12-year-old living in an old folks home, but he gets roped in by one of the residents for a day of checking items off a bucket list. New friend Natasha somehow joins the escapades and many hijinks ensue. Gemeinhart’s Midnight Children has long been my favorite read aloud for my students, but I can’t wait to see how Busted goes over this fall.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for the digital ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for the digital ARC.
January 30, 2026
I picked up this book knowing that Gemeinhart writes a heck of a middle school and was not disappointed. I laughed, I cried. Oscar has grown up in a retirement community and has a lot of senior friends. In fact, Oscar talks and acts like a lot of the people he lives with. Enter Jimmy, a new resident, who asks Oscar for a favor. An action-packed evening and a lot of memories later, Kid Ravioli and Natasha No Nuts have a day they will always remember. Some laugh out loud moments and some very poignant, sad moments. No swears, unless you count the word quacking, that takes place of all the swears, no romance, smoking of a cigar and drinking, and some mild violence. For the sensitive kiddos, the story opens with a funeral and mentions lots of funerals and there is a death of an elderly person. 6th grade and up. Long live Natasha No Nuts and Mr. Buttercup.
December 22, 2025
I had an e-arc of this book on my kindle for a long time, and after not enjoying Gordon Korman's Old School, I was less than enthusiastic to read this book with a similar plot line. I'm not sure why kids living with grandparents in their retirement communities is a trend in children's books right now... I can't say I've ever seen evidence of it in real life, but alas, here we are.
The thing that this book had going for it compared to Korman's is that I actually cared about these characters. Gemeinhart creates people we actually learn to love through the course of the book, and that's why this book that was just meh got one extra star from me.
The story is just completely improbable but yet the kind of silly adventure that middle grade readers will love.
The thing that this book had going for it compared to Korman's is that I actually cared about these characters. Gemeinhart creates people we actually learn to love through the course of the book, and that's why this book that was just meh got one extra star from me.
The story is just completely improbable but yet the kind of silly adventure that middle grade readers will love.
July 28, 2025
Dan Gemeinhart does it again! Captivating characters, just this side of believable, on a wild ride that middle grade readers will happily devour. “Busted” would be a great class read aloud, especially if the teacher is willing to explain the old-timey references to cars, cards, and music. There are some heavy themes, but nothing upper elementary kids can’t handle with an adult to help provide context. I can’t wait to add “Busted” to my school library.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC for review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC for review.
September 19, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
I wanted to love this one. It was a fun adventure and the main character is super likeable. I really found the main character to be very well written and funny. However I struggled with the pacing of this one. I think a lot of young readers will enjoy this one, but I just couldn't really get into story. It's fun and I love the messaging in this, especially the inclusion of concerns retired individuals have with making sure they still have housing while cost of living keeps going up.
I wanted to love this one. It was a fun adventure and the main character is super likeable. I really found the main character to be very well written and funny. However I struggled with the pacing of this one. I think a lot of young readers will enjoy this one, but I just couldn't really get into story. It's fun and I love the messaging in this, especially the inclusion of concerns retired individuals have with making sure they still have housing while cost of living keeps going up.
January 13, 2026
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was sooooooo annoying. But beyond his exaggerated vowels was a fantastic story that I wish I would not have listened to!! When Kid Ravioli happened to know Officer Humboldt, I still didnt catch on... I really was not expecting his backstory to be revealed that way. I hope the author gives Natasha No Nuts her own book. I was on the bus listening with headphones when the karaoke scene happened and I was cracking up!! Heartbreaking hilarity; Gemeinhart did a primo job with this one.
January 27, 2026
I can see the appeal if you are ten years old. Unfortunately, I’m not 10. There were lots of silly moments and some heavy topics, ie. drug use age, parents in jail, death, but it does work when all put together in this story. I know the role of Natasha (comedic relief), but I could have done without her character. G probably would be upset to know I only gave this three stars, but, for me, it was just okay.
Oh, and one more thing. I really didn’t like Jimmy’s use of “quacking” all throughout the book. Might be funny for some, and at first it was, but it got really old for me.
Oh, and one more thing. I really didn’t like Jimmy’s use of “quacking” all throughout the book. Might be funny for some, and at first it was, but it got really old for me.
December 5, 2025
Children living in senior living communities is a hilarious trend. It's also hilarious that this book has the same narrator as Gordon Korman's Old School. But this one got me in a way Korman's did not. It's so outlandish and fun, and it ended up surprising me. Not necessarily the plot - you can see where it's going a mile away - but I did not realize how much I cared about these characters until I was freaking crying. If you need me, I'll be mulling over getting a tattoo of an orange.
November 3, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dan Geimenhart never fails to impress me. This book was no exception. He truly has a gift for creating the best characters and stories that kids and adults alike will enjoy. I could see it possibly getting some Newbery attention.
Dan Geimenhart never fails to impress me. This book was no exception. He truly has a gift for creating the best characters and stories that kids and adults alike will enjoy. I could see it possibly getting some Newbery attention.
November 11, 2025
I grinned through this whole book. I’ve not always been a fan of Gemeinhart, but with this title he nailed why I’m so happy I read middle-grade books. The mix of ridiculous, bumping up against incredulity, and heart made me giddy. A very Gordon Korman type of book.
July 28, 2025
Wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that has made me laugh and cry and feel all the feels. Unique story, quirky characters, lots of suspenseful action, and a lot of love.
November 20, 2025
Such great characters, and really funny.
January 27, 2026
Such an amazing quackin’ book! These are characters you care so much about, and an adventure you’ll enjoy going on with them.
February 7, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of this with Mr 11. We loved it so much. We laughed throughout, I shed some tears, and it was just such a nice audio book. It had a great message, and also dealt with some serious themes too that were great discussion points. I’d highly recommend this if you’ve got a preteen!
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