Showoff (Swindle)
When Savannah takes her huge, lumbering Doberman, Luthor, to see a champion dog show, it proves to be an ill-conceived move. Luthor causes a stage to collapse, injuring the three-time national champion, and resulting in a massive lawsuit against Savannah’s parents. Fortunately, Griffin Bing, the “Man with the Plan,” is on hand. Griffin and his friend Ben rescue Luthor from the pound and, unlikely as it seems, turn him into a champion show dog. The plot—which combines elements of farce and mystery—is entertaining and features the same characters as Korman’s three previous Man with the Plan books. Grades 3-6. --Todd Morning