
Reach for this book if your child is struggling with the pressure of fitting into new environments or feels caught between loyalty to their family and their own developing sense of right and wrong. It tells the story of Trey, a boy whose father is a professional con artist, forcing the family to constantly move and adopt new identities. As Trey starts to crave genuine friendship and a permanent home, he must navigate the complex guilt of betraying his family versus the shame of living a lie. This is a fast paced, relatable middle grade novel that explores the nuances of integrity and the emotional toll of carrying heavy family secrets. It is perfect for children aged 8 to 12 who are beginning to question the fallibility of the adults in their lives.
The book deals with parental manipulation and criminal behavior in a secular, realistic manner. While the 'cons' are non-violent, the emotional gaslighting from the father is significant. The resolution is realistic: it doesn't offer a perfect fairy-tale ending, but it provides a hopeful path toward honesty and stability.
A 10-to-12-year-old who feels like they have to wear a mask at school or who is dealing with 'imposter syndrome.' It is also excellent for children who have moved frequently and understand the exhaustion of being the 'new kid.'
The book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to discuss the father's moral justifications (that he only steals from people who have 'too much') and how that logic fails. A parent might see their child becoming unusually secretive or expressed anxiety about 'living up' to family expectations, even when those expectations feel dishonest.
Younger readers will enjoy the 'spy-like' tension of the secret identities. Older readers will connect more deeply with the moral ambiguity and the protagonist's desire for independence from his father's influence.
Unlike many 'heist' books that glamorize the con, Korman focuses on the psychological exhaustion and loneliness of the person behind the lie.
Trey and his sister Ari are professional 'fakers.' Their father moves them from city to city, enrolling them in elite schools to gain the trust of wealthy parents before executing a financial con and vanishing. In their latest stop, Trey finally finds a community and a girl he truly likes, leading him to sabotage his father's schemes to find a way out of the cycle of lies.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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