The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson

Before even giving the book to the kids, ask them: Is honesty always the best policy? Is it ever okay to not tell the truth? Have students answer these questions and share with others. This book would probably be best used as a literature circle book or a read aloud. Is honesty always the best policy? I would use that guiding question throughout this novel study. I would say that a major theme in this story is honesty. Theme and Messages, Making Connections, and Literature Circles Give students, especially struggling readers, a bit of info on the key players, to help them keep them straight as they read. That being said, the reader is introduced to A LOT of characters in the beginning and it wasn’t super easy to keep them organized. Put this book in the hands of any middle schooler you know! They will love it! It is not a difficult read and it’s engaging, so it will be a win/win. This book nailed it! I had to find out, just like middle school kids will want to know, if Jackson accomplishes his con, how he does it, and if he gets the girl! Not only do I supervise student teachers in middle school, I come home to two middle school-aged children. I spend my life in the world of middle school. I kept reading because it was middle school fun.

Jackson, not willing to let this go, pulls off one last con, a con to right a wrong. Well, that is until it looks like a con is being played against Gaby. After a con that put him in deep water at the school and with his love interest, Gaby, he has decided to walk the straight path. Jackson is learning how to deal with this genetic gift and try to use it for good rather than evil. There are hints that he takes after his paternal grandfather and that his older brother definitely mastered the skills as well. I’m glad I finally went back to it! The lead character, Jackson Greene is a con master in the making. I know Sherry read it as well, because, well, she’s a librarian, but this definitely is more in my wheelhouse than hers. It is, however, never too late to pick up an “oldie”. The first time, I was part way through reading it and the life I love threw me a curveball, so I had to put it down. This wasn’t the first time I picked it up. This book was on the Lone Star List … in 2015! Yep.

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The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson