Middle Grade Review: Spy Ski School

* Book 4 in the Spy School series * 

During winter vacation, Ben's been called up on a mission. He's been activated with a few friends from school. He's supposed to infiltrate a skiing group and befriend Jessica Shang. If he can get close to her, maybe we can figure out her father's secrets.

Jessica's father has rented out the entire hotel. The only way to get close to her is through a ski class. Since it's for beginners, it's lucky that Ben's never skied before. Jessica's father doesn't want anyone getting close to his daughter. He's always showing up at the worst time for Ben. Will Ben ever figure out his secrets?

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. I love the fact that Ben's friend from home followed him to the ski slopes and accidentally inserted himself in the mission. I can't wait to see what happens next between these two friends. I enjoyed the moments between Ben and Erica. I really liked how Erica wasn't great at skiing - as she is at everything else. It was kind of refreshing. Another fun addition to this action-packed series. 

Cover Thoughts: Fun

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your graphic novel collection!

Graphic Novel Review: Spy Camp

* Book 2 in the Spy School series * 

After a wild first few months at school, Ben is looking forward to a normal summer.  He's surprised to learn that spies don't get the summer off. Instead, he's headed to summer camp to learn survival skills.

But SPYDER isn't done with him. They infiltrate the camp and leave him a message. This sets off a chain of events that leads Ben into danger. Luckily, he has Erica to help him.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel adaptation of Spy Camp. This is such a fun series - lots of action, danger, and funny moments. I love how Ben stumbles into everything. The characters surprised me in this one.  Looking forward to more in this series. This book is perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public library

Middle Grade Review: Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra

 

* Book 3 in the series *

Charlie Thorne is back - and this time she's checking in Cleopatra's history.  She's rumored to have left behind an ancient treasure. Charlie is on the case and she's determined to uncover it before anyone else - and before anyone can stop her. She might need the help of her favorite CIA agents - her half-brother and his girlfriend. Can they uncover the clues and find the treasure?

My Thoughts: This one does not disappoint. Lots of action, danger, and adventure. I loved traveling the world looking for treasure with Charlie. I loved watching her figure out the clues. I had to read this one quickly, because I needed to know what happened. I loved the banter between Charlie and her enemies. I loved learning more about Ancient Rome and Ancient Eygpt - especially all the dirt of Cleopatra. I can't wait for the next book in the series - on to Newton. 

Cover Thoughts: Cool

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This is a must have series for your school and public library. 

Booklist: Middle Grade Spies

 

I love the City Spies books - reviewed book 3 yesterday!

It got me thinking of all the other spy middle grade books I've enjoyed:

Pictured:

City Spies by James Ponti

H.I.V.E. by Mark Walden

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Bodyguard by Chris Bradford

Double Vision by Fleur Bradley

The Recruit by Robert Muchamore

Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls by Beth McMullens 

SureFire by Jack Higgins 

Not Pictured:

Wig and the Window by Kristen Kittscher 

Playing with Fire by Bruce Hale

Alibi Junior High by Gregg Logsted

Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson

Middle Grade Review: Charlie Thorne and the Lost City

Book 2 in the Charlie Thorne Series

Charlie Thorne's living on a small island on the Galapagos Islands. She's not exactly hiding but she's certainly been laying low. When a stranger asks her for help, she realizes it's the end of her time there. The stranger wants her help decoding a message left by Charles Darwin about a great treasure.

Charlie's interested in learning more, but she's not surprised when the stranger double crosses her. Luckily, Charlie always has a back-up plan. This time in the form of her CIA agent half-brother.

She pushes him to help her find the treasure. What changed Charles Darwin so much during his travels?

My Thoughts: Another fun Charlie Thorne book packed full of action, danger, and secrets. I love how Charlie's the smartest person in the room. She looks at all the options. I enjoyed the trek through the jungle - and I'm glad I didn't have to experience it in person. This book tackled the topic of evolution in an interesting manner. I can't wait to read more Charlie Thorne books.

Cover Thoughts: Action packed

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for school and public libraries.

On Your Radar: Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation

Title: Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation

Author: Stuart Gibbs

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 17, 2019

Reasons It Should Be On Your Radar:

* Girl Genius

* Albert Einstien

* Thriller

* Danger

* Action

* Plot Twists

* Family

* CIA

* Clues

* Saving the World

** BEA ARC 2019

I couldn't put this book down; it's a must have book for school and public libraries!

Tween Tuesday Review: Spy School

One day Ben comes home from middle school to find a James Bond type spy in his living room. He doesn't question the fact that a spy school wants him to attend their academy. He simply goes along with it - mostly because he's so surprised.

His arrival on campus doesn't go as planned and he fails his incoming test. Ben soon realizes that he's no spy material and he's not supposed to be at the school. It's a fluke at best and at worst, someone has put a target on his back. Can he figure out who wants him dead without getting himself killed?

My Thoughts: I really liked this spy story - lots of action, lots of danger, and lots of plot twists. I didn't see the end coming. I really liked how Ben had one idea of spies and how they behaved until he attended the academy and everything changed. I like how he fumbled his way through everything - but it made his skills seem so much better. I loved Erika - how amazing she was and how logical and how she saw through appearances. A fun book that was great to read and worked really nicely for the book club. 

Why I read this book: We used this book for our Middle School Book Club book last month. Most of the teens loved it - one felt it was a little unrealistic. First we have a trivia contest - questions about the book. Then we play would you rather. Most of the questions revolved around being a spy and different types of spies and which kinds we would like to be.Then we (just like Ben)  tested out the puzzles on the CIA website, which was really fun. 

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: My Library