Tricky Vic

Tricky Vic: The Impossibly True Story of the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower

Written By Greg Pizzoli

Illustrations by Greg Pizzoli

Published by VIKING 2015

Awards: On multiple “Best Books of the Year” lists for 2015

Summary:

Tricky Vic is the story of famous con artist Robert Miller, also know as Count Victor Lustig, and how he sold the Eiffel Tower… TWICE! Lustig manipulates, tricks, and scams people throughout his whole life. Even the infamous Al Capone, “Scarface,” was conned. However, the biggest scandal to go in the history books would be making people believe they could buy the Eiffel Tower!

Impossible. Surprising. Interesting. Tricky. Informative.

Grade Level: 2-4

Lexile Measure: 1230L

Description: Nonfiction, Picture book

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Key Vocabulary:

·      Alias- a name someone uses instead of their real name

·      Con- the act of tricking another person by first gaining their confidence and trust

·      Prohibition- the law forbidding the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol within the US (enacted by 18^th Amendment)

·      Critic- somebody who judges something

·      Luxurious- comfortable and expensive

·      Dilapidated- in disrepair; rundown

·      Proposition- a proposal or statement; offer

·      Counterfeit- an imitation created to deceive others into thinking it is a genuine article

Electronic Resources:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/man-who-sold-eiffel-tower-twice-180958370/?no-ist

Lustig’s biography, and photographs, can be found on this website along with his “10 Commandments of the Con.” There is even a picture of one of the counterfeit bills he made.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJHoTishB2Q

This short 1:45 video is a great, quick recap of Lustig’s story with narration and funny clips.

Teaching Suggestions:

I would suggest refreshing students on basic text features that can be found in nonfiction books. This one in particular contains diagrams, glossary, photographs, and some pages include side notes.

Before: The setting of most of the book takes place in Paris, France. Research Paris and the Eiffel Tower so students can not only make connections but also build background knowledge. As a class you can discuss what students know about France and even find it on the class map or globe.

During: Students can work on their note taking skills by taking notes during the read aloud. They should look for key vocabulary, people, places, events, dates, and anything else they found interesting or important. Remind them that spelling doesn’t count and they can look up the words after the book is finished. Also, the notes should be short and bulleted, not in full sentences. Another good idea to add to notes is any questions students have. This way the reader won’t constantly be interrupted and the students wont forget.

After: A guided discussion about the book would be helpful for students’ comprehension. There are a lot of facts and content in this biography, so to shortly summarize and discuss what was just read will be very helpful. The teacher should ask question that force students to think and provide thoughtful answers.

Writing Activity: This book can lead to a research project. Students can research famous criminals that are known for stealing or being con artists. The criminals should be assigned to make sure their person is appropriate. After they collect important facts, they can make a “Most Wanted” poster. There should be a write up included that summarizes their findings from the search.