Golden Gate by James Ponti - ESSENTIAL

 Golden Gate (City Spies #2) by James Ponti, 425 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2021. $18

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - HIGH 

Sydney, age 14, and Brooklyn, age 12, are aboard the Sylvia Earle, a marine research boat. But they aren’t there for fun or research. They are undercover spies for MI6, guarding two high profile girls. A hijacking aboard the boat tests their friendship, which will need to be strong to face the ensuing fallout and the challenge of finding a possible mole. Their group of City Spies ends up in foggy San Francisco where the mission is hot but the danger is hotter. 

Another home run by James Ponti. Book two in the series manages to keep the energy and interest level high. Some chapters switch viewpoints, which adds insight and tension. Themes of friendship and family make the story relatable. All the elements work together to make the City Spies a likable group and a delightful read. 

 Michelle in the Middle https://amzn.to/3wCp44E