The Great Greene Heist

The Great Greene Heist is a middle grade novel by Varian Johnson that follows Jackson Greene, a middle school boy and nearly reformed prankster, who tries to win his crush through hijinks. The novel was named Publisher’s Best Summer Book of 2014, ALA ALSC Notable Children’s Book in 2015, and received a Kirkus Star Review. Johnson published the sequel To Catch a Cheat in 2016. Johnson is also the author of The Parker Inheritance, which won the Coretta Scott King Award, Playing the Cards You are Dealt, and Twins a graphic novel.

Plot Summary

Jackson Greene is ready to part ways with mischief-making and heist hijinks until he hears the news his arch nemesis Keith Sinclair is running for Student Council president, and if elected, plans to use his power to siphon funds away from other student organizations to his Gamer Club. Keith is set on revenge after Jackson and Gaby de la Cruz embarrassed him on the basketball court in the legendary Blitz at the Fitz. To make matters worse, Keith is running against Gaby, Jackson’s crush. Using his father’s wealth and ability to get early releases of popular video games, Keith bribes the other candidate to drop out, leaving the contest between Gaby and himself, and leaving Jackson worried about the fate of his beloved Botany Club and the Tech Club that is so important to his friends.