Showoff (Swindle Series #4)

by Gordon Korman

Overview

The heroes of SWINDLE, ZOOBREAK, and FRAMED are back - and this time, things have gone to the dogs! When Luthor goes berserk at a mall dog show, he's accused of ruining the career of the three-time best-in-show beagle. Griffin always knew that Luthor's viciousness was simmering just below the surface - so why does he feel bad enough to spring him from the pound?Griffin and his team have a new plan. This one involves New York City, a sinister saboteur, a reclusive dog-trainer who's quit the business, an international dog show, and a whole lot of red dye. But if they pull it off, no one will even notice their sting operation...right?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780545393126
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	01/01/2012
Series:	Swindle Series , #4
Sold by:	Scholastic, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
Lexile:	740L (what's this?)
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Gordon Korman is the beloved author of over one hundred novels for young readers, including hilarious middle-grade classics such as the Macdonald Hall series, I Want to Go Home, and Slacker. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Gordon grew up in Thornhill, Ontario, and now lives in New York with his family. Visit him online at www.gordonkorman.com.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 5–7—Former attack dog Luthor is in the brig for disrupting a dog show and injuring top contender Electra, and her owners are suing Savannah Drysdale's family for seven million dollars. Meanwhile, Savannah's friend Griffin is staying at Ben's house for a summerlong sleepover while his parents are in Europe trying to sell his dad's latest invention, the Spritz-O-Matic. Knowing Griffin, Ben's mom is sure that something will go wrong, but he has assured her that he has absolutely no "Plans." But they just have to save Luthor from the fate that befalls all dogs left at the pound, don't they? And they can't really do that without a Plan, can they? Newest in the much-loved stories about "The Man with the Plan," Showoff will please current fans and is also great as a stand-alone. Zany and full of wild, unpredictable turns, the action never stops. Hilarious moments with Luthor, a Doberman "the size of a small pony," abound. A fun read that will keep even reluctant readers immersed in the story.—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

School Library Journal

Intrepid man-with-a-plan Griffin is up to his old tricks in his fourth outing, accompanied by a cast of patient middle-school best friends, all on a mission to save an overly energetic dog. After Savannah's gigantic Doberman, Luthor, inexplicably trashes a public appearance by show dog Electra, resulting in an unfortunate tail injury to the valuable beagle, Electra's owner sues her family and she's forced to relinquish her beloved pet to the animal shelter. Classmates Griffin and Ben bring the dog home, which is not too difficult since Griffin's parents are touring Europe, trying to sell a quirky new invention. All the boys need to do is hide Luthor in Griffin's garage, train him, win a dog show championship and then turn the money that will pour in afterward over to Electra's owner. If this scheme sounds highly improbable, well, that's half the fun. Eventually, they end up at the world's grandest dog show, with Luthor competing for the championship--if only they can thwart the wily criminal who's trying to upset their efforts. This tale stands alone well, with marginal character development taking second place to the narrative's nearly believable twists and turns. Ample dog-show details will appeal to pet enthusiasts. A bumpy, plot-driven ride that moves along at a brisk pace, enthusiastically catapulting toward a potentially disastrous and hilarious conclusion. (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Swindle:



"Pure fun from top to bottom." - School Library Journal



"Korman's fast moving, feel-good suspense novel will have middle schoolers, especially boys, turning the pages." - VOYA



"Gordon Korman has once again created a story sure to capitvate middle-grade audiences." - www.TeensReadToo.com



Praise for Zoobreak:



"Korman again knocks it out of the park...interesting, full of humor, and good fun." - VOYA



"Korman's second tale of 11-year-old Mr. Fix-it Griffin and his friends is a page-turning adventure....The author's fans will be more than pleased." - Kirkus



"This book is overflowing with energy, and each chapter ends with the promise of more excitement. In addition, woven perfectly into the story...are the themes of friendship, working together, accomplishing the impossible, and having the courage to do what is right." - www.Kidreads.com

From the Publisher