The Story:
The book follows Griffin Bing, a young boy who is obsessed with collecting rare baseball cards. He finally finds his dream card: a 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card, which he eagerly shows off to his friends. Unfortunately, he gets tricked by a smooth-talking con artist named "The Amazing Marvin," who convinces Griffin to trade the card for a worthless "treasure" map.
The Swindle:
Feeling betrayed, Griffin and his friends decide to fight back. They form a plan to expose Marvin and get their card back. They enlist the help of their school's tech-savvy genius, a quirky girl who can decipher codes, and a street-smart "scavenger" who knows how to navigate the city's underground.
The Adventure:
The story follows their investigation as they follow clues, uncover Marvin's elaborate schemes, and confront him in a hilarious and ultimately triumphant showdown.
Themes:
* Friendship and Teamwork: The story emphasizes the power of working together and trusting your friends.
* Overcoming Adversity: Griffin and his friends face challenges and learn to persevere even when things get tough.
* Facing Fear and Standing Up to Bullies: Griffin learns to be brave and confront the con artist who tricked him.
* The Importance of Honesty and Integrity: The story highlights the dangers of dishonesty and the importance of being truthful.
Overall:
"Swindle" is a fun, fast-paced adventure story with a strong message about friendship, honesty, and resilience. It's a great read for kids who enjoy mystery, adventure, and a touch of humor.