The Great Greene Heist

At Maplewood Middle School, Jackson Greene’s elaborate heists, such as breaking into the copy room to plaster comedic posters around the school, have turned him into a local celebrity—a reputation that Jackson does not enjoy, ever since the infamous “Kelsey Job.” After the heist gone wrong costs Jackson his good standing with the school and his budding relationship with his crush, Gaby de la Cruz, he swears to give up heisting for good. That is, until a rich bully threatens to take over the whole school.   

Jackson’s rival, Keith Sinclair, is competing against Gaby for student council president. While Gaby runs a clean campaign with a positive message, Keith resorts to unethical tactics such as using his father’s wealth to bribe the other students. Keith’s ultimate goal is to redirect funds from popular clubs around campus to his own video game club. To stop Keith from winning, Jackson assembles a crew to carry out his most elaborate heist yet—steal the scantron machine used to count the votes and guarantee Gaby’s election.   

Jackson Greene is a likable and charismatic protagonist, yet, at times, he’s too proud for his own good. His main conflict stems from the guilt and consequences of the infamous “Kelsey Job,” the specifics of which are hinted at throughout the book but not fully revealed until the final chapter. After a pretty classmate, Katie Accord, gets her phone confiscated, Jackson agrees to steal it back in exchange for dancing lessons. However, when Keith catches him red-handed, Jackson petulantly kisses Katie, Keith’s ex-girlfriend. Ironically, Jackson only wanted Katie’s lessons so he could invite Gaby to the school dance. Too embarrassed to admit to needing help, Jackson refuses to clear up the misunderstanding until another character essentially forces his hand. Some readers may dislike that Jackson’s pride occasionally makes him act recklessly without considering the feelings of others. However, Jackson’s genuine remorse over his actions and his sincere apology to Gaby redeem him as a sympathetic protagonist. While Jackson occasionally makes mistakes, he mostly uses his talents for good, and his heart is in the right place.  

Gaby is the no-nonsense foil to Jackson. But while she is a headstrong and intelligent leader, she also has moments of vulnerability and self-doubt, especially in regard to her complicated relationship with Jackson. Gaby is a strict rule follower, but she occasionally breaks the rules to protect the people she cares about, such as when she helps Jackson avoid getting caught. Readers will appreciate that Gaby is more than just a love interest to be won over. She is a well-rounded character with her own goals and interests.  

Readers will be emotionally invested in Jackson’s goal and engaged in the fast-paced plot. The book is narrated in the third person, with each chapter told from a different point of view, focusing primarily on Jackson and his crew. The crew includes techie Hasemi Larejani, informant Charlie De LaCruz, financial backer Victor Cho, and popular cheerleader Megan Feldman. The group is well-rounded and makes a conscious effort to subvert stereotypes. For example, Megan is a pretty cheerleader, but she also loves science. Each member contributes something important to the whole, both in terms of personality and the heist.   

While Jackson Greene’s rebellious attitude may not make him the ideal role model for authoritarian teachers and parents, readers can appreciate that Jackson is always well-intentioned. Overall, The Great Greene Heist is heartwarming and entertaining, introducing middle school readers to more complex topics, such as corrupt politics, while providing positive representation that subverts common stereotypes. Readers eager to jump into another fast-paced heist story should also read High Score by Destiny Howell.      

Sexual Content    

• To taunt Keith, Jackson kisses his ex-girlfriend. As Jackson comedically describes, “he lightly brushed his lips against hers. And Keith’s face crumbled like a month-old cookie.”  
• Jackson has a crush on Gaby. His internal monologue often compliments her style, such as liking “how the rectangular frames of her glasses made her brown eyes look even darker. Wider. More mysterious.”  
• Gaby has a crush on Jackson, but because he kissed another girl, she keeps her distance and remains emotionally detached from him. In one scene, she longingly reminisces about their relationship, thinking they had “held hands three times.”   

Violence    

• After Jackson reveals that part of the reason he kissed Katie was to make Gaby jealous, Gaby says, “I could slap you right now.” The threat feels empty, and Jackson does not seem concerned.  

Drugs and Alcohol    

• None.  

Language   

• Crap and crappy are frequently used t. For example, after the school locks are upgraded, Jackson thinks, “Good-bye, crappy Ultra lock. Hello, Guttenbabel 4200.”  

Supernatural   

• None. 

Spiritual Content    

• None.   

by Kerry Lum