Similar to Charlie & the chocolate factory, exciting, really liked main character. Good for boys or girls. ( )

Found while looking for more like [b:Encyclopedia Brown|789344|Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective (Encyclopedia Brown, #1)|Donald J. Sobol|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1298650085l/789344._SX50_.jpg|1998683]. Turns out it's more like a cross between [b:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory|6310|Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1)|Roald Dahl|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309211401l/6310._SY75_.jpg|2765786] and [b:Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library|16054808|Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (Mr. Lemoncello's Library #1)|Chris Grabenstein|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1379335670l/16054808._SY75_.jpg|21839952]. There are definitely some solvable puzzles in here, and a nice story too (though it is a contemporary fantasy, just as Dahl's classic was).

I liked that the author showed how the teamwork was effective at helping the kids become better, braver, more decent people. I liked how the kids weren't all the same age, too. I liked the extra details, like how Gil got in line late because he honorably finished mowing a lawn after a rainstorm delayed the job, and how Gil's family has a in-joke routine bit-of-business of echoing synonyms. I will read the sequels, for both the story and the puzzles. ( )

Enjoyable, although too neat in its conclusion. ( )

Gil's life changed for the worse after his father got in trouble with the law. Kids stare at him at school and everyone around town treats them differently. He doesn't even know what his father did! All Gil wants to do is move far away and leave their troubles behind. Then an opportunity to make some money arises when the local toy company puts on a contest full of puzzles and games. Gil sets a goal to become the grand prize winner hoping they can use the money to move. "Are you ready? Gil Goodson's future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition. If Gil wins, his dad has promised that the family can move away from all the gossip, false friends, and bad press that have plagued them ever since The Incident. Inside the toy company's fantastic headquarters, Gil will have to master trivia, solve puzzles, and complete physical stunts—and he'll have to do it better than all of the other kids competing. Oh, and did we mention that Gil's every step—and every mistake—will be broadcast on national television? Hold on tight, because the ride of his life is about to begin!" ( )

Twelve-year-old Gil, hopes winning the grand prize in a game with a series of puzzles and stunts, will help his family. ( )