Review Detail

George is known around his community for getting into trouble, and his antics capture the attention of the Pilfer Academy, a secret school for young thieves, crooks, and the like who promptly kidnap and enroll him. George learns the thrill of playing with new thieving gadgets and even finds a new partner-in-crime, Tabitha. However, nothing shakes the uneasy feeling in George’s stomach. The teachers aren’t terribly professional and something about stealing feels wrong. George and Tabitha will have to create a master plan like none before if they hope to steal themselves away from Pilfer Academy.

Having adored Lauren Magaziner’s previous book, THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES, I was delighted to read PILFER ACADEMY, and I was not disappointed. PILFER ACADEMY is a fun story with plenty of puns and humor, guaranteeing reading time filled with laughs. The boarding school type setting makes for exciting adventures and great descriptions.

George makes a great protagonist and even role model. He experiences the rush of doing something bad like thievery, but he has a strong conscious. His character development as he learns to listen to his gut is beautiful, especially when his gut goes against what the people around him think. The friendship with Tabitha is lovely as well. She is the Hermione Granger of the academy, and though she and George have rocky spots in their relationship, genuine respect and acceptance are always there. The author includes a nice variety of minor characters, giving just enough specific detail to distinguish them all but never throwing too many characters in at once to become confusing.

PILFER ACADEMY is destined to steal the laughter, hearts, and possibly wallets of many. This humorous story of thievery and friendship teaches readers to listen to their own voice and watch out for any Whirlyblergs.