Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest Books in Order

This series is built for readers who come to Grabenstein mainly for the puzzle side of his storytelling. The setup centers on kids who get pulled into elaborate clue-filled games run by the mysterious Ms. Pennypickle, and from there the books do exactly what you hope they will do. They mix riddles, secret instructions, high-energy pacing, and smart-kid teamwork.

Benji and his friends are not chasing monsters or magical destinies. They are chasing answers. That gives the books a different feel from some of Grabenstein's other series. The excitement comes from noticing details, making connections, and figuring out what the adults behind the game are really testing.

Even so, the stories are not dry logic problems. They are playful, character-driven adventures, the sort where a puzzle quest can turn into a road race and a secret challenge can grow much larger than expected. The tone stays light, but the kids' choices still matter.

These are books for readers who like to solve along the way.

Start with Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest and then continue to Ms. Pennypickle's Remarkable Road Race. If you like Mr. Lemoncello but want something with a slightly different cast and a fresh puzzle-master at the center, this is the obvious next stop.