Published by Simon and Schuster
Summary: Archie Drake is looking forward to another summer at Camp Shady Brook, conning rich kids out of their money with the help of his faithful sidekick Oliver. But when a new girl named Vivian overhears the two boys scheming, she wants in on their partnership. Thinking she’s only there for a week, Archie lets her in on a few of his secrets, but when he finds out she’s staying the whole summer, he’s had enough. They make a bet to see who can pull off the unlikeliest con, with the loser having to give up bilking kids out of money for the rest of the summer. The only problem is, no matter how much Archie and Vivian pretend not to care, they can’t help feeling bad about the hurt feelings and ruined friendships they leave in their wake. When one of their tricks backfires and threatens to shut down the whole camp, they realize it’s time to pool their talents and turn Camp Shady Crook around once and for all. 288 pages; grades 3-6.
Pros: Fun summer reading with a story told points of view alternating between Archie and Veronica, reminiscent of Gordon Korman.
Cons: It took me awhile to warm up to the two main characters.
