City Spies by James Ponti - ESSENTIAL

City Spies by James Ponti, 378 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division), 2020. $18.

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  HIGH

12yo Sara Martinez is in the foster care system.  Her foster parents are horrible, so she hacks into the juvenile justice system to expose them.  Unfortunately she faces juvenile detention until Mother, a British spy recruits her and she joins a team of youth spies living in Scotland.  At a youth summit in Paris, Sara and her team go undercover to stop a villainous plot that would endanger lives.

Although it was a bit of a stretch to have a 12-year old hacker who can get into any system, this story rocks.  Sara and her crew are likable with some mad skills and the story was engaging and well paced.  There are nice twists as Mother and his teen spies get closer to the truth.  Once you start reading, you will want to finish, and the locales make you wish you were there.  James Ponti has blended fun with danger brilliantly.

Michelle in the Middle

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

Framed (A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery#1) by James Ponti -ADVISABLE

Ponti, James  Framed (A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery#1) 292 pgs. Aladdin (Simon), 2016. $16.99  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G

Florian is a 12 year old with an eye for detail. He use’s that skill, which he calls T.O.A.S.T., to read people and situations in much the same way that Sherlock Holmes is known for. When he moves to a Washington D.C. he is lucky enough to make a friend right away, Margaret. When he starts to teach her his method, the Theory of All Small Things, they find themselves in the midst of an art theft case. Florian’s success catches the attention of the FBI who recruit him. Now he is balancing school and crime solving, but when he takes some risks, he may find himself in more danger than he can handle.

Disclaimer: James Ponti is one of my favorite authors and his series Dead City is beloved at my school. Big Surprise, I LOVED this book! The characters are memorable and the mystery feels authentic. I couldn’t put this book down! It’s an appealing mystery for student readers as it has a fast paced plot and danger. I like it for students because it encourages them to think outside of the box and value friendship. Why have I not rated this book as Essential? The cover is (sorry James) completely unappealing and dated looking. The only way I am going to get students to check out this book is by showing them Dead City and pointing to his name on both covers! Maybe I will design my own cover and re-cover it!

EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Framed! Crime Fighting Collection (#1-3) by James Ponti - ADVISABLE

Framed! Crime Fighting Collection (#1-3) by James Ponti. Aladdin (Simon). $30

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Ponti’s original mystery series has been reprinted in paperback with great new covers which help them pair better side by side with the Sherlock Society set. I like all of Ponti’s books - perfect for middle grade readers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

City of the Dead James Ponti. - ESSENTIAL

City of the Dead (City Spies #4) James Ponti, 390 pages. Aladdin (Simon and Schuster). 2023. $19 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

The City Spies are back with Kat leading out. Kat is a math whiz who can spot patterns anywhere. Their first mission isn't what they think and it raises more questions than answers. The team heads to Egypt to solve cyberattacks against key London targets and possible connections to ancient Egyptian artifacts. The action picks up when a new player could help them or undermine their whole operation. 

Ponti keeps the action going, but offsets the tension with humor and the interactions of the City Spies team. There is something oddly addictive about this series. Once you pick it up you have to finish. The characters are a delightful mix of different personalities and ethnic backgrounds, and we all wish we had some of their sweet skills. In this book, it was nice to see Kat get to take the lead in a mystery that will make you already want to read the next book in the series. (already mentioned) 

Michelle in the Middle

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti - ADVISABLE

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti, 352 pages.  Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2024. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

12yo Alex, his older sister by a year, and Alex's two friends, Yadi, and Lina, decide they are going to solve mysteries for the summer. Zoe's grandfather even joins in, contributing his sweet journalism skills. The group they dub the Sherlock Society, begins their summer looking for the long lost treasure of Al Capone, but comes across something far more sinister as they begin treasure hunting in the Florida Everglades. 

This new series is reminiscent of City Spies, where young kids with primo skills do undercover with adult supervision. Ok, it's a lot the same. But you will forgive Ponti because he does weave a good story and this one will make a whole new generation want to become detectives just like their parents did after reading the Nancy Drew and the Three Investigators series. It's refreshing to have competent and caring adults lend a hand and the kids are likable. I am looking forward to book two. The culture or race is never specified, though Yadi uses some Spanish. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Forbidden City by James Ponti - ESSENTIAL

 Forbidden City (City Spies #3) by James Ponti, 442 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2022. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

MI6 needs to thwart Umbra’s attempts to recruit a prominent North Korean nuclear physicist, and the youthful City Spies are up to the task. This mission takes place on two continents and involves serious undercover work and a code so baffling it is deemed unbreakable. Paris becomes the star of this mission when he goes undercover at a chess tournament where he can make contact with the nuclear physicist’s chess prodigy son. The rest of the team has challenging and dangerous roles as well: breaking codes and going undercover as a reporter.

This is the third installment of the City Spies series and it holds up well. The plot doesn’t disappoint and the action is steady and engaging. The characters are likeable and I found myself worried for their safety. There are some great chess analogies and the boy band was a nice touch. I found myself swept up in the story and the great locales. Fun read with action, family, friendship, and intrigue.

Michelle in the Middle 

City Spies: London Calling by James Ponti - ADVISABLE

City Spies: London Calling by James Ponti, 396 pages. Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2025. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY

In book six of the City Spies, 11yo Cairo takes center stage as he helps look for his sister, Annie, who has disappeared. The teen spies are caught between looking for Annie, and helping with security during a royal wedding in London. Umbra appears to be a threat, and Clementine, Cairo and Annie's mother, may be involved. 

If you are into the City Spies, then this will be a welcome sequel. There is the usual blend of exotic cities, danger, action, and friendship. Hints at Clementine's storyline and possible betrayal helps boost the interest level, keeping the stories from being too same-ish. The City Spies come from a variety of ethnic background.

Michelle in the Middle 

Mission Manhattan by James Ponti - ESSENTIAL

Mission Manhattan (City Spies #5) by James Ponti, 423 pages. Aladdin Paperbacks, (Simon and Schuster), 2024. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Book five in the City Spies series shines some love on 13yo Rio, who is a skilled street magician on top of being one of the City Spies. The group of spies travels to Venice, Italy to protect a teen environmentalist during a demonstration and her speech to the UN conference. When Rio spots a bomb, he is hailed as a hero, but finds that there are a lot of sinister powers in play. 

Another engaging spy novel that will suck you in. There are a lot of characters to root for, and the Venice and Washington, DC settings make it even cooler. Yes, the young spies seem almost superhumanly gifted, but who wouldn't want to be them? Plus Cairo's mom, who seems to be the City Spies' enemy, is lurking in the shadows and figures to play a bigger role in the future. I shall anxiously await further missions! City Spies represent a variety of ethnicities. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Hurricane Heist by James Ponti - ADVISABLE

Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society)by James Ponti, 320 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2025. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

In book two, 12yo Alex Sherlock and his friends, who are members of the Sherlock Society, are days away from beginning another school year, when Hurricane Clyde puts down. While it causes some damage, it unearths the body of a suspected criminal mastermind who disappeared during a hurricane 61 years ago, when Alex's grandpa was a kid. Determined to find out what really happened, Alex and friends, together with Grandpa, join forces to solve the mystery of a robbery and possible murder. 

You don't have to read this series in order, although it may help. The characters are well written and I like that they team up with Grandpa, who can help make mystery solving possible, with his connections and ability to drive. Too often adults are left out of YA lit, so this makes the story more credible and charming. We get part of the story from the first hurricane in 1964, and then it picks up 61 years later. Anyone who has ever dreamed of solving a mystery will wish they had a crime solving grandpa to adventure with. The plot will keep you guessing and the ending satisfying. Alex may be white, but his friends come from diverse backgrounds. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Europa (City Spies #7) by James Ponti, - ADVISABLE

Europa (City Spies #7) by James Ponti, 378 pages. Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2026. $19

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The City Spies are trying to stop bombs from targeting high level targets in Europe. Their key suspect is behind bars, but insists that he can stop the threats if he is released from prison. Clementine's name appears in secret communications, implying her involvement. The team has to pool its resources to figure out clues to where the next bomb sites might be.

City Spies always has a lot of action and fast-thinking kids. Outguessing the clues is like outguessing a Jeopardy champion, so that's not going to happen much. While the story is good, I'm getting ready for some closure before the kids start shaving and paying taxes. If you like the City Spies, you'll know what you're in for, though the storyline doesn't advance the Clementine thread much. The City Spies come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

Vanished (Book #2) by James Ponti -ADVISABLE

Ponti, James Vanished (Book #2)  372 pgs. Aladdin, 2017. $16.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G

Florian and Margaret work for the FBI. In their newest case, they must find the culprit committing pranks at a middle school. Considering the case’s they have helped with in the first book (and some in-between apparently), their newest case may seem a bit silly, but it is the school where the President of the United States daughter attends. Florian and Margaret get to work using Florian’s method of T.O.A.S.T, which helps them to notice the little details around them. Just when they think they are closing in, a new friend goes missing, and they are determined to find him.

I was excited to read the continuing adventures of Florian and Margaret! Their adventures are multi-faceted with lots of sub-plots, as well as twists and turns, which helps to draw the reader into the story. The friendship is very close now, to the point of being either a crush or cringe-worthy (for elementary aged readers). It is implied that they solved some cases between the first and second book, which at first made me feel confused, like a missed a book in the series, then disconnected because I had obviously missed so much. Due to the length of the book and complexity of plot, I recommend this book for middle school. Sorry James, but the covers are still atrocious and I cannot get your fans of Dead City to give this new series a chance. I understand you do not get to pick the art. I am here to let your publisher know that cover art is important for younger readers, they have a difficult time not judging a book by its cover (even with lessons from school librarians). I cannot image why the publisher would want book sales to suffer by choosing low budget artwork for such a talented author. MS -ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author. 

Blue Moon (Dead City #2) by James Ponti –ESSENTIAL

Ponti, James Blue Moon (Dead City #2) 336 pgs. Aladdin, 2013. $14.19.  

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

In the first book Molly finds out she isn't just a smart awkward kid, but an Omega. A secret team that helps to police the New York zombie population. And she finds out a big secret about a past tragedy in her own life, too. In this book her team is in more danger as they try to track down and monitor the 13 original zombies, who are old and tough.

I rated the first book in this series as Essential and this second book was provided to me by the author. Am I biased!? YES I AM! And why not?! As a school librarian I am always in desperate need of great books that are student magnets, parent friendly, and well written. If a book can live up to these high expectations –well yes I am biased!! One of my favorite things about this author is that his plots are multi-faceted, we get to know the characters and their lives. Zombies are still wildly popular, so this is a great place to start your collection. There is a waiting list for my copies of book #1 and this book will certainly continue that trend…along with a profound interest in next book in the series.  

EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Dead City by James Ponti –ESSENTIAL

Ponti, James Dead City 288 pgs. Aladdin, 2012. $11.55.  (Rating: G)

Zombies just want to live a normal life –well most of them. They are the ones that need protection, well, and policing. That’s were Omega comes in, and Molly is their newest recruit. She has never really fit in and has always wanted some friends. But Molly will put herself in more danger than she could image when she tries to go off on her own and seek the answers to some family secrets. She has never relied on anyone before, maybe it’s time she learned.

My plot description doesn't do this book justice. It was entertaining, interesting, and fresh. It is a must have for a good zombie collection!! Perfect for upper elementary since there is no swearing, and guess what, prepare for this shocker, no love story. I could jump for joy! Students will be fighting over this one!

EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary Librarian &

Author.