Swindle couldn't have been named more aptly. When this mean-spirited baseball card collector cons Griffin Bing out of his most valuable card, this young sports maven is forced to call in his little band of misfit helpers. A high-spirited romp about trying to set things right.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-7- When Griffin Bing and his pal Ben discover an old Babe Ruth baseball card in a home about to be demolished, Griffin-aware that his dad's lack of success as an inventor is causing increasing stress at home-dreams of selling it for thousands and using his share to keep the family financially afloat. The boys are somewhat deflated when they present the card to collectibles dealer S. Wendell Palomino and he suggests that it is a reproduction and buys it for just $120. They soon discover that the sleazy dealer plans to auction off the card, which is actually an extremely rare misprint, and that it is expected to sell for well over a million dollars. Outraged at having been taken advantage of, Griffin plans to steal the valuable card back from Palomino-or "Swindle," as he now calls him-but doing so is no mean feat. Among the obstacles the boys face are a large fence, a high-tech security system, and a ferocious guard dog. Clearly, special skills are needed, so they recruit a ragtag crew of oddball accomplices including an expert climber, an electronics whiz, an aspiring actor, and an animal lover who claims to be able to put even the most hardened, snarling canines in touch with their cuddly inner puppies. This kids-versus-adults-themed story is pure plot-driven fun from top to bottom. If you read it aloud, don't be surprised when your listeners beg you for "just one more chapter."-Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
Praise for the Swindle series:
"Goofball-funny and addictive." -Kirkus Reviews
"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." -Voice of Youth Advocates
NOVEMBER 2008 - AudioFile
Gordon Korman has mapped out the terrain of “boy fiction,” and Jonathan Todd Ross brings it gleefully to life in the best Disney movie fashion. When 11-year-old Griffin realizes that the local collectible shop owner has lied to him about the value of his Babe Ruth baseball card, having paid him a mere $120 for a card that could fetch over a million, he and his buddies spring into action. Each boy brings a special talent to the project, from computer hacker to dog whisperer to climbing expert. Given perfect material for family listening, Ross draws out the cliff-hangers, the double crosses, and the considerable humor with a skill that leaves the listener eager for more. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine