The Switch - Hardcover

Horowitz, Anthony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 039925062X ISBN 13: 9780399250620

Publisher: Philomel, 2009

Synopsis

Living a privileged life where everything is at his disposal, greedy Tad Spencer begins to think it's not enough and wishes he was someone else, yet when he awakens to find that he has become Bob Snarby, a member of a dangerous carnival world filled with criminals, Tad must use his new identity to unravel a dark secret that only he can.

About this title

About the Author:

Anthony Horowitz has been called "the busiest writer in Britain" by a major British newspaper---and with good reason. He is passionate about his work, often writing ten hours a day as he tries to balance multiple careers as a popular novelist, playwright, and screenwriter for television and movies. He is the author of the Alex Rider series and the Diamond Brothers Mysteries. Mr. Horowitz lives in London with is wife, Jill, and their two sons, Nicholas and Cassian.

From Booklist:

Horowitz’s full-scale assault on the attentions of middle-grade boys continues with this tale of swapped identity. Tad Spencer, a rich kid with little to complain about, one night wishes he was someone else. When he awakes the next morning, he finds his wish has come true. Much to his dismay, though, he’s switched places with Bob Snarby, the son of two slovenly carnival workers, and soon falls into the life of an uneducated miscreant. He eventually discovers that his old family’s wealth is built on the abhorrent practices of his father’s so-called “charity,” and sets out to take down the empire. There’s a knowing wink at one point in case readers happen to be familiar with the classic film Trading Places. While Horowitz won’t be accused of subtlety in either character or plot here, like that film there are a few underhanded elements of social satire that creep in alongside the more obvious condemnation of rampant greed. Mostly, though, Horowitz’s name-brand promise of cartoonish action will attract his audience, and they’ll be mostly pleased with this foray. Grades 5-8. --Ian Chipman

About this edition

• Publisher: Philomel
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 039925062X
• ISBN 13: 9780399250620
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256