Dan Gemeinhart’s latest novel ‘Busted’ features his signature deep themes wrapped up in a rollicking vintage – and hilarious – ride: literally. What could possibly go wrong when an elderly tweenager, a centenarian mobster, bikini-clad teen, and a hairless cat set out to cross every item off a bucket list?
The premise of this story sets up both sides of the plot: a tween who will do anything to save the room in the retirement community where he lives with his grandfather. What sets up jokes better than a twelve-year-old growing up surrounded by dentures and digestive issues? At the same time, it’s this very scenario that lays the foundation for the timeless wisdom that this same kid shares.
‘Busted’ is going to be the next Gemeinhart classic in the vein of ‘The Honest Truth,’ and I’m there for that, with one exception: the language. The elderly mobster in the story has a potty mouth, and while none of his words make the page, it’s very clear exactly which words he’s using. Main character Oscar, who tells the story, shares his strategy for mentally bleeping out these words, which is a great one. I would have loved it if, at that point, the author would have just let their usage fall away. The mobster’s character would be clear, as is Oscar’s, with a great plan for kids to use if they so choose. Instead, these words continue to fill each page. As this book is written for middle-grade students, perhaps many are already familiar with them; but do we need to reinforce this negative language in their minds, even with editing strategies in place? The story would be much stronger without the influence of this language – and we as people would be better if we could vary our vocabulary without them. Our kids deserve the opportunity to learn how to elevate their language and improve their ways of expression – not to sink to the lowest common denominator.
Without these language issues, I’d be giving this book a rating of six stars out of four. Because of this, however, I strongly encourage adults to consider their children carefully before sharing this story. I personally would treat it as a Junie B. Jones book: as a book with fantastic content to be used as a read aloud, where I could just skip the problematic swear words so we can focus on discussing the themes together. With death, illness, injustice, and ethics jumping to the forefront of every chapter all wrapped up in outlandish scenarios, Busted gives readers a wild, enjoyable ride while confronting real-life problems head-on.
–> I feel it’s important also to note that as a book published from a secular viewpoint, this impacts a vital conversation at the end of the story about what happens after death. I personally do not feel that this is problematic as it presents an opportunity to discuss what different people believe about this issue, but parents and teachers should be aware of it so that they can answer any questions that arise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What are your thoughts?