
Reach for this book when your child is feeling overlooked or frustrated by adult rules and needs a reminder that their unique skills have real world value. This sixth installment in the Swindle series is a perfect fit for middle grade readers who enjoy fast paced mysteries involving high tech gadgets, clever animal sidekicks, and a tight knit group of friends working toward a common goal. The story follows Griffin Bing and his team as they try to clear a friend's dog of a false accusation. As the group navigates neighborhood rivalries and competitive science fairs, they model effective collaboration and creative problem solving. It is a lighthearted yet empowering read that reinforces the importance of standing up for others and using one's intellect to seek justice in a way that feels accessible and fun for ages 8 to 12.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonists occasionally bend rules or use surveillance to solve the mystery.
The book handles conflict in a secular and realistic manner. While there are moments of social tension and neighborhood bullying, the resolution is hopeful and focuses on objective truth and justice.
An 11-year-old who loves 'Heist' movies or escape rooms. It is perfect for the child who feels they are the 'smart one' or 'the tech expert' in their friend group and wants to see those traits celebrated.
The book is a clean, straightforward read. Parents might want to discuss the ethics of the 'hacking' and minor rule-breaking the characters use to achieve their goals. A parent might pick this up after seeing their child struggle with a group project or if their child feels a sense of powerlessness against an unfair accusation at school.
Younger readers will focus on the humor and the dog-centric plot. Older readers will appreciate the technical gadgetry and the complex interpersonal dynamics of the friend group.
Korman excels at creating a 'team of experts' dynamic that mirrors adult heist films but remains perfectly grounded in the middle-school experience, focusing on competence rather than just luck.
In the sixth book of the Swindle series, the 'Man with the Plan' Griffin Bing and his specialized crew face a local crisis. Luthor, a large Doberman owned by their friend Savannah, is accused of attacking a neighbor's prize-winning cat. As the neighborhood turns against the dog, the team discovers a deeper conspiracy involving a high-stakes invention contest and a mysterious electronic device. They must use their collective skills in hacking, animal training, and logistics to expose the real culprit and save Luthor.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.