The Good Thieves

Gr 3-6–Rundell’s (Rooftoppers) latest weaves the story of Vita Marlowe and her quest to save her family’s livelihood. When Vita and her mother sail from Ireland to New York to aid her grandfather, Vita discovers that he has been swindled out of his castle-esque mansion by a mobster. After many promises to do no such thing, Vita tracks down the greedy Sorrotore, uncovers his malicious real estate schemes, bands together a crew of peers with particular talents, and stages a daring heist to recover an emerald from the mansion. 1920s New York allows for a circus to serve as a secondary setting and plot; the kids not already involved join up in the end after proving their worth. Arkady, the prodigious animal handler, calls out the cruelty inflicted on elephants in the circus. Samuel, an exceptional acrobat and the only primary character of color, encounters issues of acceptance because of his race. Overall, the tale is sweet and hopeful; but, while a heist is inherently exciting, it never quite reaches a breakneck pace or inspires bated breaths. Still, this historical adventure proves to be another enjoyable title from Rundell.