Book Reviews and More: Swindle - Gordon Korman

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Swindle - Gordon Korman - Swindle Book 1

Swindle

Swindle Book 1

Gordon Korman

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780439903455

eISBN 9780545457385

ASIN B006P8TYKS

This was the 70th book I have read from the masterful pen of Gordon Korman. I did not read much when young because of a dual form of dyslexia, because of that I have a great fondness for Middle Grade books, and books for tween and teens. Korman is one of the all-time masters. I set the goal of reading all his books about 2020. And with the reading of this I have read books in all his series, and all of the standalone stories. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. But I really did not get into them until my son’s teacher gave everyone a book with a note in it at the ends of the school year. Since then my son and I have read many of his books together.

Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. And one coming out in a few weeks and one planned for release early next year. As of the reading of this volume I am down to 41 unread books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged.

This book and was released originally in 2008 and the last in the series in 2016. This volume is available in English, French and Spanish. The description of this volume states:

“Ocean's 11 . . . with 11-year-olds, in a super stand-alone heist caper from Gordon Korman!

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 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.”

The about the author for this edition states:

“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 his website.”

I really did not know what to expect when I started this volume. I left this series till the end for 2 main reasons. First it is the longest series to date by Korman. And Second, Not a huge dog guy, and not into anthropomorphic stories. I have never read the description, and just kept skipping over it until it was the last series for me to start. Once I started I really did not want to put this down.

This story really is Ocean’s 11 with kids and I am so looking forward to where it goes in the next seven stories in the series. This is an excellent story about friendship, about kids standing up, and about life in a small community. Griffin Bing is the man with a plan. And if that first plan does not succeed, then try, try, try again. You will love the characters. The action is at times very intense, and the fun almost non-stop.

This is an excellent story. It is the start of what looks to be an amazing series. I can easily recommend it. Another great read from the master of the school story!

Books by Gordon Korman:

MacDonald Hall Series:

This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall (1978)

Go Jump in the Pool (1979)

Beware the Fish! (1980)

The Wizzle War (1982)

(formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)

The Zucchini Warriors (1988)

Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)

(aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)

The Jokes on Us (1995)

(formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)