Swindle

Reach for this book if your child is grappling with a sense of injustice or feels that adults do not take their concerns seriously. It is an ideal pick for the middle-grade reader who loves puzzles, high-stakes planning, and seeing a group of underestimated kids use their collective wits to outsmart a dishonest antagonist. The story centers on Griffin Bing, a boy who finds a rare baseball card only to be cheated by a greedy collector. To set things right, he assembles a team of classmates, each with a specific skill, to pull off a daring heist. While the book involves breaking and entering, it serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for discussing ethics, the difference between revenge and justice, and the power of teamwork. The fast-paced, humorous narrative is accessible for reluctant readers and provides a satisfying arc where brains and loyalty triumph over adult greed. It is perfectly pitched for ages 8 to 12, balancing suspense with a lighthearted, empowering tone that validates a child's agency.