After the first chapter or so, I expected to not enjoy this novel much at all. The MC, Oscar, is something of an unbearable drip, a goody-goody that was somehow just annoying without being anything but kind and thoughtful. However the introduction of Jimmy and Nadia, as well as the adventures the three have together, completely turned me around. By the end I loved all three of the characters and was both cheering them on and mourning alongside them. A very sweet, warmhearted novel with tons of humor and not always quite so clean fun.

Another winning book by Dan Gemeinhart! Oscar lives with Pops in a retirement community and learns rent is going up, and since Pops doesn’t have enough money they will have to leave. Jimmy, a new resident, tells Oscar if you help me with something I will give you the money. Oscar agrees and Natasha, the retirement community’s daughter, invites herself along. What an adventure the three of them have: going to the state penitentiary, the cops, a poker game, stealing a car, and more. Oscar thinks of Jimmy telling him “being good is a choice” a choice we should all make. Does Oscar end up with any money? What an ending!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Dan Gemeinhart is a fabulous writer. There is so much heart in his books. This one was hilarious. The stories of three amazing characters are woven together in a fast paced story. Big hit!

This middle-grade novel tells the story of 12-year-old Oscar Aberdeen, a quirky kid who lives in a retirement home with his grandpa. When they face eviction, Oscar teams up with a shady elderly resident named Jimmy Deluca. In exchange for breaking Jimmy out of Sunny Days, Oscar will get a share of hidden riches. Their escape turns into a wild adventure, complete with unexpected mishaps and an unlikely friendship, as they search for the secret stash to save Oscar's home.

Dan Gemeinhart has done it again! Busted delivers the engaging plot and dynamic characters I've come to expect from this author. While I certainly don't condone the kids' actions in the story, and the events are definitely far-fetched, I absolutely loved this book and will be enthusiastically recommending it to others.

YOLO. Squeeze the orange. Read the book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

Though I've read and enjoyed most of Dan Gemeinart's books, the Coyote Sunrise books are in a class unto themselves. The characters and emotion in those books are truly hard to compete with, but Busted is right up there holding it's own. Jimmy, Oscar, and Natasha would fit right in on another bus adventure with Coyote and Rodeo. I loved this trio. This book is bursting with emotion and adventure. I loved this from start to finish, and can't wait to share it with other readers.

It’s been a minute since I’ve stayed up past midnight simply to finish a book- and Dan Gemeinhart is the cause. Thank you for this!

His new middle grade novel- “Busted” -releases October 7, 2025. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy!

Dan Gemeinhart has the unique gift as an author to make you laugh out loud when reading, even when you are by yourself, to crying so hard you have to put the book in the freezer to take a break. (Coyote Sunrise anyone?!? Everyone?!?)

I’m going to need a reread, a do-over of “Busted”. This book is so quacking brilliant! These characters- 12 year old Oscar (going on 80 years old), elderly Mr. Jimmy Deluca the rumored ex-mobster, and Natasha the granddaughter of the Sunny Days Retirement Community owner- they connect and create a quacking amazing story you won’t want to end. ❤️

Highly recommend for middle grade readers-! Now- I feel like some ravioli…🤔…”Language!”

This book is funny…like laugh out loud with such frequency that your students note the disruption in their silent reading time and ask about what is so hilarious, like find a good reason to extend said time so that you can keep reading, funny.
Geimenhart weaves three fabulous characters together amidst a supporting cast that is equally endearing.
There is some language in the book that may make it not for everyone, and the use of God’s name makes me hesitate to give it a, Every Kid Should Read This story, recommendation.
Busted really is a masterpiece though. I would expect nothing less from this brilliant author.