The Great Greene Heist - by Varian Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published in hardcover in 2014 by Arthur A. Levine Books.

Book Synopsis

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 Quotes

Praise for The Great Greene Heist: "A delightful and diverse cast of middle school students with a wide range of backgrounds and interest concocts a series of elaborate schemes . . . 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"A political heist page-turner set in middle school? Is that even possible? Varian Johnson shows us how it's done, expertly walking the tightrope between true-to-life school experiences and belly laughs." - Gordon Korman, author of Swindle and The Hypnotists"Pay attention! This terrific story speeds ahead on every page, but the lively characters will make you care enough to keep up. Do yourself a favor and start reading immediately." - Rebecca Stead, Newbery-winning author of When You Reach Me and Liar and Spy"This fast, funny heist novel takes the reader on a ride full of twists and turns. I'm a sucker for a good scam, and Jackson and his gang work one of the best in the business. Nice pull, Varian Johnson!" - Jude Watson, author of Loot and The 39 Clues: In Too Deep"The Great Greene Heist is one crazy cool caper!" - Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor-winning author of One Crazy Summer and P.S. Be 11"A smart, charming, and hilarious novel featuring one of my favorite protagonists in years. I'd follow Jackson Greene anywhere, and The Great Greene Heist is a fantastic ride." - Matt de la Pena, author of The Living and Mexican Whiteboy

About the Author

Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and young adults, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor awards, The Great Greene Heist, an ALA Notable Children's Book, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, and a Texas Library Association Lone Star List selection, and the graphic novel Twins co-created with Shannon Wright, an NPR Best Book. He lives with his family near Austin, Texas. You can visit him on the web at varianjohnson.com and @varianjohnson.