The Great Greene Heist

Brief Description: Jackson Greene has a reputation as a prankster at Maplewood Middle School, but after the last disaster he is trying to go straight--but when it looks like Keith Sinclair may steal the election for school president from Jackson's former best friend Gabriela, he assembles a team to make sure Keith does not succeed. Marc Notes: ; Jackson Greene has a reputation as a prankster at Maplewood Middle School, but after the last disaster he is trying to go straight--but when it looks like Keith Sinclair may steal the election for school president from Jackson's former best friend Gabriela, he assembles a team to make sure Keith does not succeed.. Review Quotes: Praise for THE GREAT GREENE HEIST "It's a thrilling ride that may con reluctant readers into settling down on the couch with books like THE GREAT GREENE HEIST instead of the remote control." -- THE NEW YORK TIMES"It's refreshing to read a story about middle-school life that's smart, complicated, and funny, with a cleverly constructed plot and a sweet relationship between a boy and a girl. ... The lively (and racially diverse) cast of characters and the intricate plot will make this a story to read again for the sheer fun of it all." -- THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE, starred review "The elaborate bait and switch of this fast-paced, funny caper novel will surprise its readers as much as the victims." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review "Like all entertaining heist tales, THE GREAT GREENE HEIST assembles a motley crew of characters, each with their own specialty. . . . Varian Johnson keeps the pace lively and the 'Star Trek references flying." -- AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMANBiographical Note: Varian Johnson is the author of four novels, including THE GREAT GREENE HEIST, an ABA Best Book for children, and MY LIFE AS A RHOMBUS. He lives with his wife and daughters near Austin, Texas. Please visit his website at www.varianjohnson.com or follow him on Twitter at @varianjohnson. Publisher Marketing: Saving the school -- one con at a time. (And in paperback!) "A political heist page-turner set in middle school? Is that even possible? Varian Johnson shows us how it's done." - Gordon Korman, author of SWINDLE "Do yourself a favor and start reading immediately." - Rebecca Stead, author of WHEN YOU REACH ME 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. Review Citations:

Booklist 05/15/2014 pg. 56 (EAN 9780545525541, Other)

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2014 (EAN 9780545525541, Other)

Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2014 pg. 96 (EAN 9780545525541, Other) - *Starred Review

School Library Journal 03/01/2014 pg. 142 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2014 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Publishers Weekly 04/14/2014 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Booklist 05/15/2014 pg. 56 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Shelf Awareness 06/20/2014 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2014 pg. 580 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2014 pg. 96 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Voice of Youth Advocates 10/01/2014 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books 11/15/2014 pg. 88 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2014 pg. 79 (EAN 9780545525527, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Johnson, Varian Growing up, Varian Johnson couldn't decide whether he wanted to be an engineer or a writer, so he decided to do both. His first novel A Red Polka Dot In A World Full of Plaid made the Essence Magazine bestseller list in March 2006. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and two cocker spaniels.