Busted
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025 · Est. 10 hour read

Busted

A boy's wild quest to save his home leads to theft, escape, and unexpected friendship.

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,168 ratings
352 pages· 72,050 words· Est. 10 hour read
$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Oscar Aberdeen, the youngest resident of Sunny Days retirement home, faces eviction. To save his home, he teams up with Jimmy Deluca, a notorious elder, for a daring escape and treasure hunt. As they navigate theft, gambling, and police chases, Oscar discovers the true meaning of friendship and adventure. Can he secure the cash to save his home, or will his efforts end in failure?

From the publisher

“A humdinger doozy of a read filled with humor, heart, and incredible characters you won’t soon forget!” –Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series * “A laugh-out-loud romp.” –Publishers Weekly, starred reviewFrom the New York Times-bestselling author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise comes a new heartfelt and hilarious middle-grade joy ride full of friendship and adventure! 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 chase. He had no idea it would be so dangerous…or so fun. 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?

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
352
Words
72,050
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Themes & topics
Books about griefBooks about homeBooks about moral dilemmasBooks about growing upBooks about resilience
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The fine print

Book details

Publication
Published
October 7, 2025
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781250378361

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