Con Academy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 3, 2015

Review

Will Shea has conned his way into Connaughton Academy, one of the top 5 five private schools in the nation. So he is in, can he stay in is the question. Andrea, con artist in her own right, sniffs out Will's precarious background and a wager is made between the two of them for the rights to stay. The mark is the acting-out son of the academy's richest benefactor. Schreiber's dialogue provides readers the layout of the con's premise and the situations within the private school setting quickly change from one minute to the next, keeping it interesting. Will's family members, seasoned con-artists themselves make an appearance, sometimes helpful, sometimes not. Fans of movies such as "Focus" with Will Smith and "Ocean's Eleven" series will enjoy the set up and action. Nice to see a book that will appeal to teen boys, but also a wider audience.

Overall Book Score: very good