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50 pages 1 hour read

City Spies

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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James Ponti

City Spies

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

750L

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Super Short Summary

City Spies by James Ponti follows Sara Maria Martinez, a young hacker who, after exposing her abusive foster parents, is recruited by a man named Mother to join a team of child spies under MI6. Sent to a school in Scotland, she trains with fellow prodigies and embarks on a mission involving a tech giant tied to a dangerous virus, ultimately finding a sense of family and belonging among her new teammates. The book contains themes of abuse and environmental dangers.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Exciting

Playful

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

14,082 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

James Ponti's City Spies is praised for its engaging plot, diverse characters, and the captivating dynamic of young spies working together. It effectively balances action with emotional depth. However, some critics mention that certain plot points feel predictable. Overall, it's considered an exciting and heartwarming read for its intended middle-grade audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read City Spies?

A reader who would enjoy City Spies by James Ponti is typically between ages 10-14, enjoys fast-paced spy adventures, and has an interest in teamwork and diverse characters. Fans of Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz or Spy School by Stuart Gibbs will find similar excitement and intrigue in this series.

4.5

14,082 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Brooklyn (Sara Maria Martinez)

A talented hacker with a challenging past in foster care, who becomes a key member of a covert spy team, learning valuable skills while forming strong bonds with her new team.

The charismatic leader of the spy team who recruits and guides a group of children, using his experience as an MI6 agent to nurture their talents and foster a sense of family and belonging.

The team's advocate for justice and physical trainer, known for her humor and optimistic nature, who quickly befriends Brooklyn and helps her adjust to the team's dynamics.

The unofficial "older brother" of the group, providing leadership and stability while drawing from his own experiences to support the team's missions and personal growth.

A skilled pattern decoder from Nepal, appreciated for her exceptional abilities despite her social challenges, who plays a crucial role in uncovering critical information.

The team's expert deceiver, originally discovering his skills on the streets, who contributes his knowledge to the group despite his struggles with self-confidence.

A cryptographer and weather analyst who supports the team in a nurturing role, fostering a welcoming environment for new members like Brooklyn.

An ex-member of the team known for her hacking abilities, whose departure resulted from ethical conflicts, yet she plays a minor role in the plot with her competitive nature.

The owner of a global technology company who organizes a high-stakes youth summit, unknowingly becoming part of a larger investigation involving the MI6.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

750L

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