Swindle

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

Think about the old saying, “Finders, keepers.” What are some of the moral implications of this guidance? For example, if someone finds $100 in the street and keeps it, what might the repercussions include? What might the decision to keep or not keep the money say about the finder? What are examples of different moral views that individuals might have on this topic?

Teaching Suggestion: Griffin’s family is struggling financially when Griffin discovers a Babe Ruth card in a building that is set for demolition. Griffin claims the card as his own, despite his friend’s protests that it belongs to the homeowner. The pair take the card to a local collector who claims the card is a reproduction and pays them $200 for it. Griffin later discovers the collector lied and intends to auction the baseball card for a massive profit. This sparks an ethical debate between Griffin and some of his friends as Griffin is determined to steal the card back from the collector because he believes it rightfully belongs to him. Consider viewing these videos or similar resources prior to opening the discussion. Students may find it beneficial to reflect occasionally on these morality questions as the conflict develops in the novel.

• This 2-minute video explores the definition of morality and how it impacts society. Students might benefit from defining the terms secular and ethics before viewing.
• This 9-minute video explores the connections between morality, legality, and justice. Ideas and language regarding natural law and justice may be helpful to instructors. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing.)

Short Activity

Research the history of baseball cards. Use these questions in your exploration.

• Where and how did baseball cards originate?
• When did baseball cards first become valuable?
• What is the range of value baseball cards have?
• What is the purpose of collecting baseball cards?
• What is the most valuable baseball card ever sold?

Teaching Suggestion: Griffin has plans to sell the Babe Ruth baseball card for 1 million dollars to aid his family in their financial hardship. Initial investigation into this topic may provide students with interesting facts that connect to the novel and pique interest among readers. It may be helpful for students to watch the 8-minute video linked below or a similar resource, then make predictions about particular baseball cards, their probable value, and which cards likely draw the most revenue. Students can prove and debunk their predictions by conducting additional research independently or in small groups. Listing facts about baseball cards in students’ reading journals or notes may be helpful for later reference.

• This 8-minute video describes the market surrounding sports cards. (Content Warning: The business practices featured in the video are compared to gambling in the words of one of the business owners.)

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Describe a time when you felt like you were dismissed or underestimated by adults. What suggestions or ideas did you have that were overlooked? Why do you think adults may inadvertently cause young people to feel this way?

Teaching Suggestion: Griffin feels underestimated by the adults in his life when they dismiss his idea of building a skatepark in his town. Griffin’s feelings of being dismissed influence his actions when Palomino swindles him. After individuals respond to the prompt, small groups might discuss together common situations in which adults tend to underestimate children.