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.

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.

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.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Exciting / Playful / Informative

- City Spies is authored by James Ponti, who is a renowned writer known for his engaging middle-grade fiction, including the popular Framed! series.
- The book, published in 2020, is the first in the City Spies series and introduces readers to a diverse group of young spies.
- James Ponti's City Spies series has been praised for its diverse characters and exciting, globe-trotting adventures, appealing to young readers interested in mysteries and espionage.

**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.

**Mother**  
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.

**Sydney**  
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.

**Paris**  
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.

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

**Rio**  
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.

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

**Charlotte**  
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.

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

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