Swindle (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Babe Ruth, Park Avenue Extension, Palomino's Emporium (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

After a mean collector named Swindle cons him out of his most valuable baseball card, Griffin Bing must put together a band of misfits to break into Swindle's compound and recapture the card. There are many things standing in their way -- a menacing guard dog, a high-tech security system, a very secret hiding place, and their general inability to drive -- but Griffin and his team are going to get back what's rightfully his . . . even if hijinks ensue.

This is Gordon Korman at his crowd-pleasing best, perfect for readers who like to hoot, howl, and heist.

About the Author

Gordon Korman has written dozens of books for middle-grade and young adult readers, including Born to Rock, the best-selling Son of the Mob, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and Jake, Reinvented. He is the author of the phenomenally successful Island, Dive and Everest trilogies, the ever-popular Macdonald Hall series and the popular On the Run series. Korman likes to travel and visit students all over North America.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (March 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439903440
• ISBN-13: 978-0439903448
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #201,556 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, March 18, 2008

By	TeensReadToo.com "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

Griffin Bing had a plan. He invited everyone he could think of to a sleepover at the Old Rockford House. It was scheduled to be demolished the next day, but Griffin hoped to use the sleepover as a protest of sorts. He was very disappointed that only his best friend, Ben, showed up.

A group of the kids had the idea that the city could build a skate park on the property when the creepy old house was torn down, but the city officials had other ideas. They thought a museum was a better idea. Griffin had organized the sleepover hoping to get the attention their plan deserved. Instead, all he got was a night in his sleeping bag listening to his friend Ben snore.

Before leaving the old house, the boys did a little exploring. Griffin accidentally discovered a secret drawer, and tucked in that drawer was a card - an old baseball card with a picture of Babe Ruth. He was sure it was valuable and would help solve his parents' financial problems.

After a narrow escape from the wrecking ball, Griffin and Ben hurry to Palomino's Emporium of Collectibles and Memorabilia to get the opinion of an expert. Much to their disappointment, S. Wendell Palomino gives them bad news. The card is a reproduction and worth very little. He offers them $120, and they take the money and run.

Imagine their surprise and fury when the nightly news is carrying the story of one S. Wendell Palomino and his incredible discovery of a valuable baseball trading card valued at $1,000,000. What follows is Griffin's new plan to get back the card he believes is rightfully his.

Gordon Korman has once again created a story sure to captivate middle grade audiences. His adventurous characters, great use of humor, and non-stop action make SWINDLE great fun to read. The easy, fast-moving pace will hold the attention of readers of all levels and will also work well as a read-aloud in many classrooms.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Appeals to kids and adults, April 13, 2008

By	Julie C. Gabbard (Kansas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's difficult to find a book that entertains the parent reading the bedtime story as well as the child listening. We've found just a few: Charlotte's Web, The Hobbit, and Swindle. We start a lot of books, but one or the other of us lose interest. Swindle was exciting, engaging and had surprising twists.

I'll bet this one gets turned into a movie. (If it does, let's hope it's as good as the book.)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Non-stop reading, April 24, 2008

By	M. S. Baronov "Soledad" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The second my 9 year-old son opened the book he could not put it down. VERY age appropriate. He absolutely loved it and after reading it he has told people about the story. We will read everything by this author if it is all as good as this book. Best purchase yet.