Books in the series Swindle

Swindle is an exhilarating, fast-paced heist caper that has been described as "Ocean's 11 with 11-year-olds." When Griffin Bing, the "Man with the Plan," discovers a rare Babe Ruth baseball card, he thinks his family's financial troubles are over. However, a dishonest collector named S. Wendell Palomino—better known as Swindle—tricks him into selling it for a mere twenty dollars. Determined to get back what is rightfully his, Griffin must assemble a specialized team of classmates, each with a unique skill, to break into a high-tech compound and retrieve the card.

This book is a fantastic choice for young readers who enjoy high-stakes action mixed with laugh-out-loud humor. Gordon Korman masterfully balances the tension of a secret mission with the relatable struggles of middle school life. It is ideal for children who love stories about underdogs standing up to bullies and using their wits to solve complex problems. Parents looking for a page-turner that emphasizes teamwork and creative thinking will find this to be a perfect addition to their child's library.

Highlights:

• A thrilling heist plot featuring a "Man with the Plan" and his specialized team.
• Engaging themes of justice, friendship, and standing up for oneself.
• Perfect for fans of fast-paced mysteries and humorous adventure stories.
• Great for reluctant readers due to its quick pacing and relatable characters.

In Zoobreak, the "Man with the Plan" Griffin Bing and his loyal team of friends return for another high-stakes mission. When a class trip to a floating zoo reveals that animals are being kept in terrible conditions—including a classmate's long-lost pet monkey—Griffin knows he can't just walk away. What follows is a hilarious and heart-pounding animal rescue operation that requires every bit of the team's specialized skills, from tech expertise to animal whispering.

This fast-paced sequel is perfect for children who love heist stories, animal adventures, and stories about kids outsmarting adults. Gordon Korman delivers a masterclass in middle-grade suspense, blending laugh-out-loud humor with a genuine message about animal welfare and the power of standing up for what is right. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in clever problem-solving and tight-knit friendship groups.

Highlights:

• A thrilling heist plot involving a daring animal rescue mission.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and utilizing individual strengths.
• Perfect for fans of the Swindle series and high-energy adventure.
• Engaging themes of justice and animal rights presented in a fun, accessible way.

In Framed, the third installment of Gordon Korman's high-stakes Swindle series, Griffin Bing—the "Man with a Plan"—finds himself in the ultimate predicament. When a priceless Super Bowl ring vanishes from his school's display case and his own retainer is left in its place, Griffin is the prime suspect. This fast-paced mystery is perfect for children who love clever heists, underdog stories, and a healthy dose of humor. As Griffin faces house arrest and an electronic anklet, he must rely on his loyal team of friends to clear his name and find the real thief.

Ideal for readers interested in detective stories and school-based adventures, this book keeps the tension high while maintaining a lighthearted tone. It is a great choice for fans of the 39 Clues or Diary of a Wimpy Kid who are looking for a bit more action and intrigue. With its relatable characters and engaging plot twists, Framed explores the importance of standing by your friends even when the odds are stacked against you.

Highlights:

• A thrilling "whodunit" mystery with high stakes and clever plot twists.
• Focuses on the power of teamwork and the loyalty of a close-knit group of friends.
• Features a relatable protagonist who must use his wits to overcome an unfair situation.
• Perfect for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced action and humor.

Griffin Bing, known as "The Man With The Plan," returns in Showoff, a high-stakes and hilarious adventure that is perfect for children who love animal stories and clever mysteries. When Luthor, a former attack dog turned friendly pet, is accused of causing chaos at a prestigious dog show, he faces being sent back to the pound. Griffin knows Luthor is innocent and suspects a devious setup. To save his furry friend, Griffin and his team must pull off their most ambitious plan yet: turning a misunderstood beast into a national dog show champion.

This installment in the popular Swindle series is an ideal choice for readers interested in fast-paced plots, teamwork, and underdog stories. Gordon Korman delivers his signature blend of humor and suspense, making it a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy action-packed chapters. Parents will appreciate the themes of loyalty and standing up for what is right, while kids will be hooked by the clever schemes and the bond between the characters and their pets.

Highlights:

• A thrilling mystery involving a high-stakes dog show competition.
• Focuses on the importance of teamwork, loyalty, and believing in others.
• Features a diverse cast of characters with unique skills and personalities.
• Perfect for fans of funny, contemporary realistic fiction and animal adventures.

Hideout is the thrilling fifth installment in Gordon Korman's beloved Swindle series, bringing back Griffin Bing, "The Man With The Plan," and his loyal team of friends. In this high-stakes adventure, the stakes are personal: their former enemy, the unscrupulous S. Wendell Palomino (known as Swindle), has returned with a legal loophole to reclaim Luthor, the massive but lovable Doberman the kids rescued. To protect their furry friend, the group must orchestrate an elaborate disappearance, splitting up into secret hideouts to keep Luthor out of Swindle's clutches.

This book is perfect for children who love fast-paced heists, clever gadgets, and stories where kids outsmart the adults. Ideal for readers interested in animal rescue and teamwork, Korman blends humor with genuine tension, making it a page-turner for even the most reluctant readers. It is a great choice for fans of the 39 Clues or Masterminds series who enjoy seeing a diverse group of friends use their unique skills to solve a common problem.

Highlights:

• A suspenseful "heist-in-reverse" plot that keeps readers guessing.
• Strong emphasis on the bond between children and their pets.
• Features a diverse cast of characters with specialized skills like tech, animals, and athletics.
• Perfect balance of laugh-out-loud humor and exciting action sequences.

In Jackpot, the sixth high-stakes adventure in Gordon Korman's beloved Swindle series, Griffin Bing—known as "The Man With The Plan"—faces his most challenging mission yet. When a $30 million lottery ticket goes missing in Cedarville, the entire town erupts into a frantic treasure hunt. Griffin is determined to find the winning ticket, but he soon realizes he is not the only one with a plan. His long-time rival, Darren Vader, and a mysterious newcomer named Victor Phoenix are hot on the trail, and shockingly, Griffin's own loyal team seems to be switching sides.

This fast-paced mystery is perfect for children who love heist stories, clever gadgets, and tales of underdog triumph. Readers will be gripped by the tension as Griffin navigates social hurdles and complex puzzles to reclaim his prize and his friends. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in high-energy capers and great for fans of The 39 Clues or Holes, offering a blend of humor and heart-pounding action that keeps young readers turning pages until the very end.

Highlights:

• An epic, high-stakes treasure hunt for a missing $30 million lottery ticket.
• Engaging themes of friendship, loyalty, and overcoming rivalry.
• Features a cast of quirky characters, including a rowdy Doberman and inventive tech.
• Perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy humorous action-adventure stories.

In Unleashed, the seventh installment of Gordon Korman's beloved Swindle series, the "Man with the Plan" Griffin Bing faces a double-sided challenge. While Griffin is locked in a fierce invention contest against his long-time rival Darren Vader, his friend Savannah is dealing with a canine crisis. Luthor, the former attack dog turned gentle giant, has suddenly started acting out whenever a mysterious truck passes by. What follows is a whirlwind of strange inventions, a suspicious neighbor, and a high-stakes mystery involving a stolen object of great value.

This fast-paced adventure is perfect for children who love humorous mysteries and stories featuring clever gadgets and heroic animals. Gordon Korman expertly blends slapstick humor with a compelling "whodunit" plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in teamwork, problem-solving, and the bond between humans and their pets. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing the familiar crew back in action, while new readers will find it easy to jump into the excitement.

Highlights:

• Engaging mystery featuring the "Man with the Plan" Griffin Bing.
• Humorous rivalry and high-stakes invention competition.
• Heartwarming focus on animal behavior and loyalty.
• Perfect for fans of action-packed middle grade fiction.

Griffin Bing and his team of specialists are back in Jingle, the eighth exciting installment of Gordon Korman’s beloved Swindle series. Instead of a relaxing winter break, the crew finds themselves volunteering as elves at a local Christmas extravaganza. However, the holiday cheer quickly turns into a high-stakes investigation when a priceless Christmas artifact worth over ten million dollars is stolen right from under their noses. With a grumpy Santa and a rule-breaking Doberman named Luthor in the mix, Griffin must lead his friends to clear their names and catch the real thief.

This fast-paced mystery is perfect for children who love clever heists, humorous situations, and stories about a tight-knit group of friends working together. Ideal for readers interested in detective stories and holiday-themed adventures, Jingle combines the spirit of Christmas with the adrenaline of a classic caper. It is a great choice for fans of the Swindle series or any young reader who enjoys outsmarting the adults and solving complex puzzles.

Highlights:

• A thrilling holiday-themed mystery featuring a high-stakes heist.
• Focuses on teamwork, loyalty, and creative problem-solving.
• Features a cast of diverse and relatable characters with unique skills.
• Perfect for fans of Gordon Korman’s signature humor and fast-paced action.