The School for Thieves

The School for ThievesFor the first printing only! This hardcover features vibrant sprayed edges while the special edition supply lasts. A young pickpocket gets recruited into an elite group of thieves in this "page turning, edge of the seat" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) upper middle grade boarding school adventure full of heists, danger, and secret plots perfect for fans of Spy School and Keeper of the Lost Cities. Tom Morgan's life on the streets of London

For the first printing only! This hardcover features vibrant sprayed edges while the special edition supply lasts.

A young pickpocket gets recruited into an elite group of thieves in this "page-turning, edge-of-the-seat" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) upper middle grade boarding school adventure full of heists, danger, and secret plots perfect for fans of Spy School and Keeper of the Lost Cities.

Tom Morgan's life on the streets of London consists of shining shoes, picking pockets, and keeping his group of street kids out of the hands of snatchers. When he fails at the last and their home is raided, Tom is the only one not carted off to the workhouse. He's determined to rescue his friends, but breaking into the workhouse is a nearly impossible task, let alone breaking back out.

Tom is at a loss until he's approached by a mysterious figure claiming to be an accomplished thief and Tom's ticket to the best training in the clandestine arts in the world: an elite international boarding school that would teach him all the skills necessary to help his friends. Without any better ideas--and his curiosity piqued--Tom accepts the invitation.

Whisked away to the snowy Alps, Tom enters a thrilling world of intrigue and heists. But the deeper he gets into the Shadow League, the harder it becomes to leave. Tom has to learn fast and uncover the nefarious secrets within the league to have any chance of saving himself, his friends--and maybe even the world.

Author: Peter Burns
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Published: 08/26/2025
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.70w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781665982283
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 06/02/2025
Booklist 07/01/2025 pg. 83
School Library Journal 07/11/2025 pg. 1

About the Author
Peter Burns is the author of ten critically acclaimed nonfiction sports books and has been nominated for numerous awards--twice for the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year. The truth, however, is that he's always wanted to write children's books, so The School for Thieves is a dream come true. Peter studied English at the University of St Andrews before gaining a master's in publishing at Napier University. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, four kids, and a slightly nervous cocker spaniel. He isn't a thief, a spy, an assassin, or a politico. Or is he? Visit him at PeterBurnsAuthor.com.