The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

Book contains a modern vision of the family institution, relationships between the same genders, and multi-gender agenda. In some countries such a content is inappropriate and even forbidden. Be ready and informed well.

This book was great for my sixth grade reader who is slightly advanced. In recent year, she liked the dork diaries, And seems to love this I will be getting number two shortly! Great story

My 8yr old and her 2 friends setup a book club for themselves after school 1 night a week and this was their chosen book. At first they all struggled with some extensive articulation and what they all felt was a slow burner. They came across their first non binary character and all characters have names that are picked from a dictionary (Phenomena, Shenanigan, Malstrom) which gave them a topic of discussion and an avenue to research and gain knowledge on word definitions and how English is amazingly simple having 3 words of the exact sound but different meanings (Peak, peek, Pique) they haven't quite finished it but are loving the mystery, intrigue and who dunit. As a shared book it's expanding their comprehension together and giving them several avenues for discussion on what is a quirky, engaging murder mystery withing .somewhat crazy family.

A bit of a mystery, a fun and interesting story, and fun characters. It manages to have murder and suspense without being creepy or very dark. There is a non-binary child which is dealt with in a very gentle way, and I felt the main character's reaction to it was quite sweet and realistic. (Something to the effect of, oh, I didn't realize that was an option, and then moves on with life.) Probably best for middle school+ or advanced late elementary kids. Also, adults like me that enjoy a good "kid's" book.

A quirky, funny mystery. Think kids would love this.Even as an adult, I enjoyed it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Swifts - from page one I felt I was welcomed into the home of this kooky family and I was absolutely hooked. With twists, turns and a few red herrings, it’ll keep you guessing until the end.Read this if you love clever word play and utterly marvellous, lovable characters.I hope the wait for the next instalment goes fast!