Con Academy

June 1, 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

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