Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest

Two white-cued brothers who are total opposites team up to win a cash prize in this The Amazing Race–flavored adventure by Grabenstein (the Mr. Lemoncello series). Puzzle-loving Benjamin Broderick, 12, often finds himself at odds with his athletic 18-year-old brother Ethan. When the siblings’ parents persuade them to take a summer road trip together for some much-needed bonding, it looks like a recipe for disaster. Then the boys receive an invitation to participate in a cross-country race for $1 million, hosted by infamous enigmatic puzzle enthusiast Ms. Pennypickle. Ben and Ethan prove ready for the challenge, which takes them on a journey to various iconic stops along Route 66, where puzzles and riddles await them. As they strive to outrace, outwit, and outlast their fellow competitors, the youths gain a greater appreciation of each other’s skills, but their newfound camaraderie may not be enough to see them across the finish line. In this clever and comedic homage to code breaking and treasure hunting, Grabenstein highlights quirky and historic roadside attractions such as the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle and the automotive Stonehenge of the Cadillac Ranch, while offering assorted riddles and puzzles for readers to solve alongside the Brodericks, making for a thoroughly entertaining, lighthearted romp. Ages 8–12. Agent: Carrie Hannigan, HG Literary. (Oct.)