  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 06/01/2015 Gr 6–10—The author successfully weaves a plot that is humorous and intriguing. Shea is an active con artist who has stealthily gained admission to one of the most prestigious prepatory high schools in New England, Connaughton Academy. However, he hits a snag when a fellow student Dufrescne figures out his well-orchestrated plan. Readers are then left to follow Shea as he tries to navigate life at Connaughton. This novel successfully mirrors such films as Ocean's Eleven as well as Mission Impossible and makes the text accessible to a younger audience. The language is realistic and there is no overt graphic violence. Themes such as deception, camaraderie, and power are also present in this work. Teens who enjoy reading about strong male protagonists and intelligent, quirky titles, such as Mary Elizabeth Summers's Trust Me, I'm Lying (Delacorte, 2014) and J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, will connect with the characters in this volume. Similarly, fans of books about underdogs will find themselves rooting for Shea. Teens might have to suspend disbelief about the ease with which Shea as able to get into this prestigious prep school. This plot-driven narrative is entertaining and the characters are likable. VERDICT A worthwhile purchase for most library collections.—Katie Flynn, Williston Northampton School Library, MA - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 08/01/2015 Will Shea is the orphaned son of missionaries, on scholarship and out of place in his posh New England boarding school, but grateful to have this opportunity. No, he’s not. He’s the nephew of one of the greatest con artists Vegas has ever seen, hiding out from his much less successful con-man dad, and hoping against hope that he can beat Andrea, the other “orphaned scholarship student” at Connaughton, at their shared game: to con a huge sum of money from a scummy rich kid on campus. As Will digs deep into Connaughton’s dirty secrets, it becomes increasingly apparent that the rich and powerful didn’t get that way by playing it straight. Schreiber brings the same verve that made Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick (2011) shine, and in the midst of the fun, he cleverly illuminates the many shades of gray between right and wrong. This is a fast-paced, humor-laced, action-packed romp with great appeal for fans of mysteries, heists, underdogs, and Robin Hood–style justice. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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