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.