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slushysands's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
protoman21's review against another edition
3.0
Gordan Korman was my favorite author growing up and I still enjoy his stories. The characters in Swindle aren't especially three dimensional, but the story is fast paced and you want to know what is going to happen next. A good pick for reluctant readers.
goodem9199's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great read-aloud for my 8 y/o. Towards the end, Robbie was flailing around on the couch and throwing pillows in anticipation of what was to come. Now that's some involved reading!
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
5.0
Swindle is one of those reads that I rate primarily based on my enjoyment and its fulfillment of its synopsis. Swindle satisfied both of these requirements which is why it’s five stars.
Is it the next great American novel? No. But, is it memorable, charming, and fun? Heck, yes.
I read this a few times as a kid and a few of the sequels before I aged out of the main demographic. I believe I got up to Showoff, the fourth book, before calling it quits on the series. Now looking back I can firmly say that this one still holds up pretty well.
While a little simplistic in terms of characterization, the central heist is strong enough that it overcomes that aspect. Everyone has a solid, clearly defined role that helps to sell their importance to the story - there are no filler characters taking up the ensemble meaning I was less inclined to complain about lack of substance. Some contribute more than others, but there’s always a reason for it which helps to make it feel less like a bunch of cardboard cutouts going through the motions. The role in the heist also tied directly to their strengths as characters which further cemented the small amounts of depth they did get.
The heist is my favorite part. It’s ridiculous yet at the same time entirely possible. That little kernel of maybe is why I love this book: the idea that I could technically undertake a similar endeavor if only I were to want it enough tickled me as a young reader and it still tickles me today.
The ending is rushed. The pacing is fine for most of the book only for the fallout to be accelerated to hypersonic speed. I wish it had been given more time to breathe especially given the mini mystery shoved into this intervening time.
In summation, high literature this is not: read it anyways. At the very least it’ll pass the time.
Is it the next great American novel? No. But, is it memorable, charming, and fun? Heck, yes.
I read this a few times as a kid and a few of the sequels before I aged out of the main demographic. I believe I got up to Showoff, the fourth book, before calling it quits on the series. Now looking back I can firmly say that this one still holds up pretty well.
While a little simplistic in terms of characterization, the central heist is strong enough that it overcomes that aspect. Everyone has a solid, clearly defined role that helps to sell their importance to the story - there are no filler characters taking up the ensemble meaning I was less inclined to complain about lack of substance. Some contribute more than others, but there’s always a reason for it which helps to make it feel less like a bunch of cardboard cutouts going through the motions. The role in the heist also tied directly to their strengths as characters which further cemented the small amounts of depth they did get.
The heist is my favorite part. It’s ridiculous yet at the same time entirely possible. That little kernel of maybe is why I love this book: the idea that I could technically undertake a similar endeavor if only I were to want it enough tickled me as a young reader and it still tickles me today.
The ending is rushed. The pacing is fine for most of the book only for the fallout to be accelerated to hypersonic speed. I wish it had been given more time to breathe especially given the mini mystery shoved into this intervening time.
In summation, high literature this is not: read it anyways. At the very least it’ll pass the time.
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
3.0
Griffin (known as the kid with a plan) and his buddy Ben protest the demolition of an old house in town by spending the night. Unable to sleep, Griffin explores the house and finds an old Babe Ruth baseball card stuck in a draw in a desk. He takes the card to the local antique shop and the owner tells pays him a bit of money. On the news that night, Griffin sees the owner on the news claiming to have found a Babe Ruth baseball card that will be sell for millions on the auction block. Of course, Griffin can't let the collector get away with the Swindle and concocts the perfect plan to get it back. A fun read for reluctant readers.
Upper elementary.
Upper elementary.
kwichris's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
happycamper12's review against another edition
2.0
I love Gordon Korman's books, but this one was just ok.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
A madcap heist story that has held up incredibly well over the past 13 years. Yet again, a middle grade story that I would never necessarily choose to read as a 40 yo school librarian with my own very particular tastes, but since it’s on our Battle of the Books list for the second time, I really had to. I’ve been recommending it over the years because kids love it, and now I’ll definitely be continuing to do so. Realistic? Not at all. But there’s a lot of adventure, a missing baseball card, and vengeance against a dishonest adult. Perfect for grades 4-6. Korman is a master at writing for kids, not adults, and that’s the sign of an amazing kid lit author. I’m not supposed to be the target audience ~ my students are.
jayoder16's review against another edition
4.0
I read Zoobreak before this one. You can read them out of order, but it makes more sense n makes the story more colorful now that i know some of the background.
This was a pleasant read with a few unexpected twists and turns. Would recommend it to kiddos who like mystery, animals, and fun adventure.
This was a pleasant read with a few unexpected twists and turns. Would recommend it to kiddos who like mystery, animals, and fun adventure.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
3.0
A little bit of mystery, a lot of comedy, and revenge. This is a great combination.