For a book that draws its schtick from sarcastic humor, I thought it was pretty good. Its over-the-top ridiculous at times, but that's the intention, and I think kids are drawn to that type of writing.

When George is kidnapped out of the blue from a couple of blundering idiots in an ice cream truck, he could never imagine where he would end up. He's at the Pilfer Academy which trains kids to be pilfers or thieves. Everything in the school is stolen. The food is stolen. The mansion is stolen. Even the kids are stolen. At first George thinks it's interesting. The other kids seem to like it and it's been made clear to him that he can't leave. So he makes the best of it and goes to all of his criminal training classes. But when his mid-term exam is to break into a house a steal a teddy bear from a baby, he begins to doubt that this is the place for him. First he tries to get himself expelled, but when that fails, he realizes that the only option is escape. It should be no problem for a kid trained for criminal activity.

This book is entertaining, but you have to appreciate really idiotic humor. The adults are not smart, which is sure to be a kid pleaser. ( )

This was a fun, quick read. A young boy, George is kidnapped and soon finds himself in a strange school full of criminals in training. It is a bit Roald Dahl like. Lots of silly, weird characters and a sinister "whirlyblerg" punishment for the youngsters that try and escape. George suddenly decides he's too good to be bad and with the help of friend, tries to bring an end to Pilfer Academy. It was an okay read for me and it may appeal to those middle school students who are looking for a light hearted, fun read. ( )