Gangsta Granny
Goodreads ratings
4.29 / 5

"Gangsta Granny" Summary

By David Walliams

childrens | 299 pages | Published in 2011

Another hilarious and moving novel from David Walliams, number one bestseller and fastest growing children’s author in the country. A story of prejudice and acceptance, funny lists and silly words, this new book has all the hallmarks of David’s previous bestsellers.Our hero Ben is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at his grandma’s house. She’s the boringest grandma ever: all she wants to do is to play Scrabble, and eat cabbage soup. But there are two things Ben doesn’t know about his grandma.1) She was once an international jewel thief.2) All her life, she has been plotting to steal the Crown Jewels, and now she needs Ben’s help…

ISBN_13:9780007371440

Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

A young boy discovers that his seemingly boring grandmother leads a thrilling double life as a jewel thief.

Introduction

In "Gangsta Granny" by David Walliams, readers are taken on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure with Ben and his unconventional grandmother. This delightful children's book explores the power of love, family, and the unexpected bonds that can form between generations. With its relatable characters and clever storytelling, "Gangsta Granny" is a must-read for young readers and adults alike.

Brief Synopsis

"Gangsta Granny" tells the story of Ben, a young boy who dreads spending time with his boring and seemingly ordinary grandmother. However, he soon discovers that his granny has a secret life as an international jewel thief. Together, Ben and his granny embark on a series of thrilling heists, all while forming a deeper connection and learning important life lessons along the way.

The story is set in a typical suburban neighborhood, where Ben's ordinary life is turned upside down by his extraordinary grandmother. The contrast between the mundane setting and the exciting adventures that unfold keeps readers engaged and eager to discover what will happen next.

Main Characters

CharacterDescription
BenThe young protagonist who initially finds his grandmother boring but later develops a close relationship with her. He is curious, adventurous, and learns valuable life lessons throughout the story.
GrannyBen's seemingly ordinary grandmother who leads a double life as an international jewel thief. She is fun, mischievous, and teaches Ben the importance of following his dreams.
Mr. ParkerBen's strict and somewhat grumpy neighbor who becomes an unexpected ally in the duo's exciting escapades.
RajThe friendly and enthusiastic shop owner who helps Ben and Granny in their adventures.

Summary of Story Points

Chapter 1-4: The Boring Granny

In the beginning, Ben expresses his displeasure at having to spend Friday nights with his granny, whom he finds boring. He tries to avoid spending time with her but eventually realizes that she is lonely and wants his company.

Chapter 5-8: The Secret Life

Ben discovers that his granny is not as ordinary as he thought. He accidentally stumbles upon her collection of jewels and learns about her secret life as a jewel thief. Intrigued, he decides to join her on her next heist.

Chapter 9-12: The Heists Begin

Ben and Granny embark on a series of thrilling heists, targeting various locations in their quest for jewels. They encounter obstacles along the way but manage to outsmart the authorities and escape with their loot.

Chapter 13-16: Unexpected Allies

Ben and Granny's adventures catch the attention of Mr. Parker, their grumpy neighbor. To their surprise, he offers to help them with their heists, revealing a softer side and forming an unexpected bond.

Chapter 17-20: The Grand Finale

The final heist takes Ben and Granny to the Tower of London, where they face their biggest challenge yet. With the help of their allies, they manage to outwit the guards and successfully complete their mission.

Main Events

  1. Ben discovers his granny's secret life as a jewel thief.
  2. Ben joins his granny on a series of thrilling heists.
  3. Ben and Granny form an unlikely alliance with Mr. Parker.
  4. The trio plan and execute a grand heist at the Tower of London.

Themes and Insights

The Importance of Family

"Gangsta Granny" emphasizes the importance of family and the bonds that can form between generations. Through their adventures, Ben and his granny develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other, highlighting the significance of familial love and support.

Following Your Dreams

The story also encourages readers to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. Ben's granny shows him that it's never too late to chase after what you truly desire, inspiring him to embrace his own aspirations and not be limited by societal expectations.

Friendship and Unexpected Alliances

The book explores the theme of friendship and the potential for unexpected alliances. Ben and Granny's friendship grows stronger throughout their heists, and their bond with Mr. Parker demonstrates that friendships can be formed in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Reader's Takeaway

"Gangsta Granny" is a heartwarming and humorous tale that reminds readers of the importance of family, following their dreams, and the power of unexpected friendships. It teaches valuable life lessons in a fun and engaging way, making it a delightful read for children and adults alike.

Conclusion

David Walliams' "Gangsta Granny" is a captivating children's book that combines humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Through its relatable characters and clever storytelling, the book leaves a lasting impression on readers, reminding them of the power of love, family, and the unexpected connections that can be formed between generations.

Gangsta Granny FAQ

  1. What is the book 'Gangsta Granny' about?

    Gangsta Granny is a children's book about a young boy named Ben who discovers that his boring granny is actually an international jewel thief.

  2. Who is the author of 'Gangsta Granny'?

    The author of 'Gangsta Granny' is David Walliams.

  3. What genre does 'Gangsta Granny' belong to?

    'Gangsta Granny' is a children's comedy fiction book.

  4. What age group is 'Gangsta Granny' suitable for?

    'Gangsta Granny' is suitable for children aged 9 and above.

  5. Is 'Gangsta Granny' part of a series?

    No, 'Gangsta Granny' is a standalone book and not part of a series.

  6. Are there any illustrations in 'Gangsta Granny'?

    Yes, 'Gangsta Granny' features black and white illustrations by Tony Ross.

  7. Is 'Gangsta Granny' a funny book?

    Yes, 'Gangsta Granny' is known for its humor and witty storytelling.

  8. Has 'Gangsta Granny' won any awards?

    Yes, 'Gangsta Granny' has won several awards including the Red House Children's Book Award in 2013.

  9. Can adults enjoy reading 'Gangsta Granny'?

    Yes, 'Gangsta Granny' has been praised for its humor and can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

  10. Is 'Gangsta Granny' available in ebook format?

    Yes, 'Gangsta Granny' is available in ebook format for digital reading.