SWINDLE

Gordon Korman has mapped out the terrain of “boy fiction,” and Jonathan Todd Ross brings it gleefully to life in the best Disney movie fashion. When 11-year-old Griffin realizes that the local collectible shop owner has lied to him about the value of his Babe Ruth baseball card, having paid him a mere $120 for a card that could fetch over a million, he and his buddies spring into action. Each boy brings a special talent to the project, from computer hacker to dog whisperer to climbing expert. Given perfect material for family listening, Ross draws out the cliff-hangers, the double crosses, and the considerable humor with a skill that leaves the listener eager for more. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]