I found this book at a Scholastic Book Fair (among others) held at my children’s elementary school years ago. When I read the back-cover copy, I was intrigued and subsequently purchased the book. The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson has been called an Ocean’s Eleven book for kids.
Book Summary:
This summary comes from the Scholastic website.
Jackson Greene swears he's given up scheming. Then school bully Keith Sinclair announces he's running for Student Council president, against Jackson's former friend Gaby de la Cruz. Gaby wants Jackson to stay out of it, but he knows Keith has "connections" to the principal, which could win him the presidency no matter the vote count.
So Jackson assembles a crack team: Hashemi Larijani, tech genius. Victor Cho, bankroll. Megan Feldman, science goddess. Charlie de la Cruz, reporter. Together they devise a plan that will take down Keith, win Gaby's respect, and make sure the election is done right. If they can pull it off, it will be remembered as the school's greatest con ever, one worthy of the name The Great Greene Heist.
The following actions represent the novel’s five main plot points. When you think about the plot, think about how it applies to running a marathon.
The Signup
Jackson’s friend, Hashemi (Hash) suggests there’s another way for Gaby to win, then specifically asks Jackson if he has a plan. Without this invitation to help Gaby, there would not have been a story to tell.
The Gunshot
On the way to study hall, Jackson slipped Charlie a note: “I have a plan.” Jackson finally accepted the call to action and began his journey to help Gaby win the election.
The Halfway Point
Victor borrows the keys to the art supply closet to take pictures of all the keys so that they could have a way to “hack” the Gutenbabel 4200. This represents significant progress toward the plan.
The Wall
Jackson is getting grilled by the friendly security guard, Mr. James. Jackson calls “CODE RED” because he sees no way out. He has hit rock bottom.
The Finish Line
When Gaby runs up Jackson in the gym at the school formal, he pockets his phone in HER jacket so that he wouldn’t be caught with his cell phone. Gaby has won the election and Jackson didn’t get caught. The final chapter explains how they pulled it off.
I recently found out about the SEQUEL: TO CATCH A CHEAT!
Jackson receives a link to a faked security video that seems to show him and the rest of Gang Greene flooding the school gym. The jerks behind the video threaten to pass it to the principal — unless Jackson steals an advance copy of the school’s toughest exam.
QUESTION: Have you seen Ocean’s 11? The original 1960 version was directed by Lewis Milestone. The remake of Ocean’s Eleven was made in 2001, starring George Clooney. Let me know in the comments!
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