Power Play

May 1, 2018

Gr 4-8-Abby and friends are back in this rip-roaring second installment. This time, Toby's dad has been kidnapped by a mysterious villain. Abby, Izumi, and Charlotte must help Toby complete a series of tasks in order to beat the deadline to save his father. The story meanders through various locales with lots of action, sometimes making it tricky to keep up with the chain of events. Initially, it seems like Toby's complicated relationship with his father will be explored, but that is set aside in favor of a new character with whom Toby has a troubled past. This new character feels like a throwaway bad guy, making it a little difficult to emotionally invest in the story's resolution. Readers may also struggle to relate to the very privileged lifestyle of Abby and her friends, who can call up a private jet at a moment's notice. Even with these challenges, Abby's delightfully quick and witty sense of humor and the continual excitement of the plot provide pleasant and satisfying escapism. Young readers will enjoy the quirky spy gadgets, as well as the fact that it's the kids who save the day. VERDICT A celebration of friendship and girl power, this exciting spy story will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Purchase where the first book has fans.-Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2018
In this sequel to Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls (2017), Abby and pals at Smith School seek to uncover an avenging, demented computer hacker.Beneath Smith School's "preppy paradise" lies a second, secret school that prepares kids to become spies for the government-sponsored Center, and 13-year-old Abby's convinced she'd "make an amazing spy." When Drexel Caine, father of Abby's classmate Toby and owner of the challenging augmented reality game "Monster Mayhem," is kidnapped, Toby receives instructions from a hacker. Toby must win "Monster Mayhem" in exchange for Drexel's release. On their school trip to Paris, Toby vanishes at the Louvre, and Abby learns the hacker's none other than the notorious Micron. Abby's frantic search for missing Toby leads her to Florida and then, allied with Center agents, on a dangerous mission to London, hoping to trap Micron. Once again, Abby's cheeky, first-person, present-tense narration lends immediacy, realism, and humor to her well-intended penchant for precarious adventure. Grounded by the traditional boarding school venue and supported by a diverse cast of school chums, Abby (who seems to be white) reveals the makings of a real spy in the suspenseful climax.Fearless wannabe spy Abby's return in her latest fast-paced, intriguing, international escapade involving a complex computer game guarantees a rousing read. (Mystery. 9-13)

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