Loot

Book: Loot
Series: Loot #1
Author: Jude Watson

On a foggy night in Amsterdam, a man falls from a rooftop to the wet pavement below. It's Alfie McQuinn, the notorious cat burglar, and he's dying. As sirens wail in the distance, Alfie manages to get out two last words to his young son, March: "Find jewels."

But March learns that his father is not talking about a stash of loot. He's talking about Jules, the twin sister March never knew he had. No sooner than the two find each other, they're picked up by the police and sent to the world's worst orphanage. It's not prison, but it feels like it.

March and Jules have no intention of staying put. They know their father's business inside and out, and they're tired of being pushed around. Just one good heist, and they'll live the life of riches and freedom most kids only dream about.

Watch out! There are wild kids on the loose and a crime spree coming . . . -Goodreads
Review: This year I'm leading a 5th grade book club at my daughter's school and this was our first pick. Twelve year old March's father is in the middle of a jewelry heist when he falls off a roof and dies. Afterwards, March discovers he has a twin sister and they are sent to an orphanage in NYC. They soon find themselves on quite an adventure. 

This was fast paced, fun and a great book for young readers. We had a lively discussion regarding who we'd rather grow up with (Alphie or Blue, the consensus was Alphie),  schooling, living in a city vs suburbia among other things. As an adult reading this, I realize the plot is not feasible but it will still great fun. It reminded me of a Heist Society targeted toward a younger audience. 

Grade: 4/5