Typically well behaved, 11-year-old Mathias (Mattie) Larimore gets pushed too far by his older brother and dramatically strikes back by stealing a subway train. This one misstep has landed him in Munchem Academy (reform school), where his not-so-good eighth-grade brother, Carter, is already a student. Carter determines to make life miserable for Mattie; but once Mattie makes friends with the brother-sister duo Eliot and Caroline Spencer, he responds less to Carter's taunts. Soon, the threesome notices suspect things around the crumbling Academy. What's going on with the teachers, and what exactly is happening to the worst troublemakers? The kids snoop around and learn about sinister activities taking place in the basement. Can they circumvent the school's scheming adults in time to save Carter from becoming their next victim? Themes of brotherly love (despite its tumultuous side), friendship, bullying, and creativity are woven throughout this fast-paced novel. Bolivar's imaginative descriptions of the school, its inhabitants, and daily activities bring the story to vivid life. Those hooked by this first Munchem Academy installment can rest assured that sequels will follow.--Petty, J. B. Copyright 2017 Booklist