Review Detail

Gordon Korman’s SWINDLE team is back and they’ve gone to the dogs. When Luthor, the massive Doberman, destroys a dog show and injures a champion dog, Savannah’s family faces a massive lawsuit and are forced to take him to the pound. Griffin Bing, also known as The Man With The Plan, and his friend Ben can’t let Luthor be left there—but the only way to keep the dog safe would be for him to win Best In Show at a national championship. Is it possible to do this before Luthor eats his competition?

I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I knew I wanted to read SHOWOFF as soon as I saw Gordon Korman was the author. Korman is one of the best writers for middle grade readers, constantly rolling out stories full of humor, adventure, and heart. The other books aren’t necessary in order to enjoy SHOWOFF; the characters aren’t so well-developed that you miss anything.

Griffin and his friends are likable—the kind of kids that readers will wish were in their gang. The fact that they have access to a collection of bizarre inventions and animals only makes them more interesting. The read star of the novel is Luthor, the silly smile he displays on the cover is only one of his many emotions. Readers will be coveting their own giant, prize-worthy Dobermans by the novel’s end.

The true proof of SHOWOFF’s appeal? I had the book on my desk and three students came up to ask if they could borrow it. My copy won’t even see the shelf for a few weeks…Korman’s that good.

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