Duped!: True Stories of the World's Best Swindlers (It Actually Happened) - Softcover

This hybrid of nonfiction and graphic novel is a fun lesson on how the masses can be made into fools.--Mariela Siegert"School Library Journal" (01/01/2012) It's hard to imagine a more kid-friendly piece of nonfiction. The scams covered include a made-up Stone Age society discovered in the Philippines that fooled even National Geographic ... and a French rags-to-riches high-society swindle. Although the hook is baited with plenty of sensationalism...there's some good history to be learned beneath all the grandiose flimflammery. Schroeder writes in a lighthearted, chatty tone, equally matched by Simard's good-times black-and-white cartooning. A list of additional resources points the way toward more reading for kids tickled by such large-scale trickery.--Ian Chipman"Booklist" (12/15/2011) The topic of the book is compelling and the writing of the cases is engaging.--Elizabeth Ford"Resource Links" (12/01/2011) There is real value in sharing such a well-written and informative text.--Sally Bender"Sal's Fiction Addiction" (08/11/2013)

As long as there have been people willing to believe the unbelievable, people have been duped. In the best storytelling tradition, readers can follow the tales of: * How the Nazis planned to destroy the British economy during World War II by flooding the world with millions of fake British banknotes * How an infamous radio broadcast had American citizens convinced that Martians were invading the country * How one of the 20th century's most elaborate scams--conducting tours to the lost Tasaday tribe in the Philippines--fooled the world's media and top scientists for nearly a decade. The author's fascination with the boldness and inventiveness of the swindlers, as well as their motives, makes for a compelling read. The stories instill a sense of disbelief, amusement and even grudging admiration for these ingenious scam artists who often (but not always) meet a bad end. Accompanied by graphic-style artwork, each tale offers a great escape for readers drawn to true stories presented in a lively fashion.