Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 06/30/2025 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.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 09/26/2025 Gr 4–8—Reminiscent of his "Mr. Lemoncello's Library" series, Grabenstein sends readers on another quest, with two brothers seeking a million-dollar prize. Benji, 12, and his older brother Ethan don't get along. Ethan is athletic and popular, Benji is a higher-weight person and loves solving puzzles. Ethan agrees to a trip to the Grand Canyon with Benji only to get a free truck from his parents and a year's worth of gas from his aunt. What seems like misery-on-wheels becomes an exciting adventure when they end up getting pulled into Ms. Pennypickle's puzzle contest, a massive race along Route 66. With Ethan's athleticism and driving skills combined with Benji's puzzle-solving acumen, they have a good chance of winning. But is everyone playing fair? And is everything just what it seems? This is a delightful ride along Route 66 and through the ups and downs of brotherhood as Benji and Ethan strengthen their bond, both within and beyond the games. Main characters are cued white. VERDICT This new puzzle adventure from the master of the genre is perfect for fans of Grabenstein's work and lovers of Murdle puzzles.—Heidi Grange - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 10/01/2025 Benjamin’s older brother, Ethan, is heading off to college. The two have never been close due, in part, to their six-year age difference, but their dad has a scheme to foster a bond between them. Having fond memories of a trip he and his brothers took when they were younger, their dad gifts Ethan a truck in exchange for taking Benjamin on a trip to see the Grand Canyon. Plans are semi-derailed when puzzle-lover Benjamin finds a clue to Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest. Though still on their road trip, the brothers are now working together to solve clues in a competition against other pairs to win a million dollars. Grabenstein delivers the humor and puzzle-driven adventure fans have come to expect, this time with a somewhat cheesy side of family bonding. An unexpected twist wraps everything up neatly, and the pacing remains fast through the end. A small warning that Benjamin’s weight and eating habits are often negatively discussed.High-Demand Backstory: Young readers may have escaped from Mr. Lemoncello's library, but they're still in Grabenstein's clutches. He's a bestselling author for a reason, so expect lots of requests for this one. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.