City Spies

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider or struggles to see how their unique interests, like coding or trivia, could ever be considered 'cool.' It is a perfect choice for kids who crave independence and want to see how diverse individuals can form a powerful, chosen family. The story follows Sara, a foster child and skilled hacker, who is recruited by a British MI6 agent into an elite team of international teen spies. As they travel from Scotland to Paris to stop a global threat, the book explores deep themes of belonging, trust, and the value of neurodiversity. It is a fast-paced, sophisticated adventure that treats middle-grade readers with respect, making it an excellent bridge for kids ready for more complex stakes but still needing a hopeful, age-appropriate world.