The Great Brain

Written by John D. Fitzgerald · Illustrated by Mercer Mayer

Book #1 in the The Great Brain series

A young con artist uses his wits to save the day and profit.

5.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.2/5 Goodreads · 18,120 ratings

175 pages· 47,205 words· Est. 6.5 hour read· 840L

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Bookroo's summary

Meet Tom, the ten-year-old mastermind known as the Great Brain. With a silver tongue and a knack for profit, he navigates challenges like rescuing the Jenkins boys from Skeleton Cave and aiding new kid Basil. But can his clever schemes keep him on top without costing him friendships? Dive into a world where wit and charm are the ultimate currency.

From the publisher

This first book in the series is a great combination of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Terrible Two series, and is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl.

The best con man in the Midwest is only ten years old. Tom, a.k.a., the Great Brain, is a silver-tongued genius with a knack for turning a profit. When the Jenkins boys get lost in Skeleton Cave, the Great Brain saves the day. Whether it’s saving the kids at school, or helping out Peg-leg Andy, or Basil, the new kid at school, the Great Brain always manages to come out on top-and line his pockets in the process.

At a glance

Format: Paperback
Pages: 175
Words: 47,205
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 840L

Themes & topics

Books about 1850-1899 Books about brothers Books about law and crime

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.8

out of 7

5.8

“The Great Brain always manages to get himself (and his unsuspecting younger brother) into trouble with his harebrained schemes, but he always figures out a way to get them out again. The first book in the series, this book introduces the characters and the setting for the rest of the books. I love that these books are funny and engaging, and that they contain descriptions of childhood adventures that seem at once perfectly normal and perfectly magical. Read this one, then read them all!”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

The series