4.0
Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest
ByPublisher Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Mr. Lemoncello series comes a race across the country full of rousing riddles and laugh-out-loud humor as two brothers try to solve the million-dollar puzzle of an eccentric genius!
Benjamin and Ethan Broderick don't fit together. Twelve-year-old Ben loves retro arcade games and puzzles, while his older brother would rather play sports and hang out with his friends. The only thing they have in common is how much they resent being forced to go on a summer road trip.
But at the quirky diner where the brothers make their very first stop, they discover a clue leading to a giant puzzle race with a million-dollar prize! Along with five other families, the Brodericks are thrust into a high-stakes competition along the famous Route 66.
Can Ben and Ethan put their heads together—and put aside their differences—to beat out the other families and solve Ms. Pennypickle's ultimate puzzle?
Benjamin and Ethan Broderick don't fit together. Twelve-year-old Ben loves retro arcade games and puzzles, while his older brother would rather play sports and hang out with his friends. The only thing they have in common is how much they resent being forced to go on a summer road trip.
But at the quirky diner where the brothers make their very first stop, they discover a clue leading to a giant puzzle race with a million-dollar prize! Along with five other families, the Brodericks are thrust into a high-stakes competition along the famous Route 66.
Can Ben and Ethan put their heads together—and put aside their differences—to beat out the other families and solve Ms. Pennypickle's ultimate puzzle?
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesMs. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest Reviews
4.0
“4.5⭐️ (Rounded up)
Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest is a middle-grade adventure novel that combines puzzle-solving, road-trip adventure, and heartwarming family dynamics. The story is fast-paced from start to finish and features puzzles, riddles, and hidden clues/messages that even adult readers will find challenging and fun! For all you Willy Wonka fans out there, this high-stakes competition, its enigmatic mentor, and its interesting mix of contestants make it reminiscent in vibe of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—but with a format similar to The Amazing Race!
The story follows 12-year-old Benji and his 18-year-old brother Ethan, who are very different, and a rift has developed between them. Their parents coerce them into a summer road trip together to the Grand Canyon, which neither really wants. But when they stop at a pancake diner, they find a clue that thrusts them into a grand puzzle race: solve challenges laid out by Ms. Pennypickle along Route 66 for a chance to win one million dollars. Alongside five other families, they must combine wits and grit and reconcile their differences to stay ahead.
Benji is a brainy, puzzle-loving kid who is a big fan of trivia and retro games—and his fact-filled rants are hilarious and make him very likeable! Ethan is social, impulsive, and more excited about his future with friends and college than quality family time. At first, Ethan treats the trip like an obligation, and Benji often feels like he’s tagging along. But the puzzle quest competition forces them to bond and confront their frayed relationship. As they attempt to solve puzzles, decide which routes to take, and conquer obstacle courses, they recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses and join forces to try to get the upper hand. Benji learns to trust his instincts and speak up, and Ethan learns to be more humble and considerate—and their brotherly bond becomes stronger and more heartfelt. The mystery behind the identity of Ms. Pennypickle is an intriguing part of the story—and each new puzzle and hidden clue gives readers more insight into this shadowy puppet master!
The book has great pacing throughout and will keep readers engaged, laughing, and entertained! Once the race begins, the pacing accelerates, and all the interesting puzzles, historic stops on Route 66, and rivalries with the other contestants keep the stakes and momentum high! The second half has some interesting reveals, relationship building, and detours and an ending that has some unexpected twists that will equally shock and delight readers!
Overall, Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest is a clever, adventure-filled ride with a balance of puzzle solving, humor, and heartwarming family dynamics in all the best ways! It’s perfect for middle grade to adult readers who love fast-paced stories with riddles to solve, road trip adventures, rich character development, and feel-good middle grade books!”
“[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
4 stars = Great! Might re-read.
This was fun! Plenty of puzzles to solve like in the Lemoncello series, but the types are more broad and not all about books. I enjoyed the adventure for the brothers and the other competitors. There are some nice twists along the way, too. Lemoncello fans should pick this up.”
“Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I love the Mr.Lemoncello series and this was another great read by Chris Grabenstein. Ethan and Benji wind up in a contest and take a road trip on the famous RT. 66. I like how random, fun facts were sprinkled throughout the book. They have their differences but come together when it matters.”
About Chris Grabenstein
Chris Grabenstein is the bestselling author of the Mr. Lemoncello, Smartest Kid in the Universe, Dog Squad, and Welcome to Wonderland series, as well as the coauthor of numerous page-turners with James Patterson and of Shine!, cowritten with Chris's wife, J.J. Grabenstein.
Other books by Chris Grabenstein
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