Books in the series City Spies

City Spies introduces readers to Sara Martinez, a talented 12-year-old hacker who finds herself in legal trouble after exposing her foster parents' crimes. Just as things look bleak, she is recruited by a mysterious British man known only as Mother. Sara is whisked away to a secret base in Scotland to join an elite team of five kids from around the world. Together, these young agents must use their unique skills—from code-breaking to sleight of hand—to go undercover and stop a dangerous international threat at a youth summit in Paris.

This fast-paced spy thriller is perfect for children who love high-stakes missions, clever puzzles, and stories about found families. James Ponti crafts a world where intelligence and teamwork are the ultimate superpowers, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in mystery and global adventure. Fans of the Spy School series or The Mysterious Benedict Society will find themselves immediately hooked by the witty dialogue and the diverse cast of relatable characters.

Highlights:

• A diverse team of five young spies from different global backgrounds.
• Intricate puzzles and high-tech hacking that challenge the reader's mind.
• Strong focus on the importance of teamwork and finding where you belong.
• Exciting international settings that bring geography and culture to life.

In Golden Gate, the second thrilling installment of the City Spies series by James Ponti, a team of five brilliant young agents from around the world must head to San Francisco. After a close call in their previous mission, the spies—Sara, Kat, Paris, Sydney, and Brooklyn—are tasked with uncovering a mole within MI6 while simultaneously protecting the daughter of a billionaire at an exclusive private school. This high-stakes adventure blends international intrigue with the relatable challenges of growing up and working as a team.

Perfect for children who love fast-paced mysteries and clever gadgets, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in code-breaking, global travel, and stories about found families. James Ponti masterfully balances humor and suspense, making it a great choice for fans of the Gallagher Girls or Alex Rider series. The diverse cast and their unique skill sets ensure that every reader finds a character to root for as they navigate the foggy streets of San Francisco and the dangerous world of espionage.

Highlights:

• Action-packed plot featuring international locations and clever spycraft.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and the unique strengths of each character.
• Engaging mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
• Diverse and relatable protagonists with distinct personalities and backgrounds.

Forbidden City is the thrilling third installment in James Ponti's bestselling City Spies series. This high-stakes adventure follows a diverse team of five talented young agents recruited by MI6 as they travel to Beijing, China. Tasked with infiltrating a billionaire's inner circle during an international youth chess tournament, the team must use their unique skills in hacking, linguistics, and strategy to prevent a global nuclear threat. It is a perfect choice for children who love fast-paced action, clever puzzles, and international mysteries.

Ideal for readers interested in technology and global cultures, this book combines realistic spycraft with the relatable dynamics of a found family. Parents looking for engaging middle-grade fiction will appreciate the emphasis on critical thinking, research, and teamwork. Whether your child is a fan of the previous books or new to the series, this mission offers a captivating blend of humor and suspense that keeps readers turning pages until the very end. It is a great choice for fans of high-tech gadgets and global adventures.

Highlights:

• Action-packed international espionage set in iconic global locations like Beijing.
• A diverse cast of relatable characters with specialized skills in coding, chemistry, and tactics.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.
• Perfect for fans of the Spy School series and The Mysterious Benedict Society.

In the fourth thrilling installment of the City Spies series, Edgar Award winner James Ponti takes readers on a high-stakes journey from the streets of London to the ancient wonders of Cairo. When a series of sophisticated cyberattacks targets the British Museum, it is up to Kat—the team's logic-driven codebreaker—to lead the mission. As the group follows a trail of deciphered messages into the historic City of the Dead in Egypt, they uncover a mystery far more complex than they ever imagined, involving high-level British Intelligence and a changing team dynamic.

This action-packed adventure is perfect for children who love code-breaking, international travel, and fast-paced mysteries. Ideal for readers interested in technology and logic, this book combines realistic spycraft with the warmth of a found-family dynamic. It is a great choice for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls who are looking for a smart, sophisticated middle-grade thriller that keeps them guessing until the very end.

Highlights:

• Features a brilliant female protagonist who excels in math, logic, and pattern recognition.
• An international setting that explores the rich history and culture of Cairo, Egypt.
• A compelling "found family" theme centered around a diverse group of young spies.
• Intricate puzzles and high-tech espionage that challenge the reader's own problem-solving skills.

Mission Manhattan is the thrilling fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling City Spies series. This high-stakes adventure follows a group of young, talented spies from around the world as they descend upon New York City. Their mission? To protect a teenage climate activist who has become the target of a credible threat before her speech at the United Nations General Assembly. From the secret tunnels beneath the New York Public Library to the halls of the UN, this book is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, clever puzzles, and international intrigue.

Ideal for readers interested in espionage and global issues, James Ponti delivers a masterclass in middle grade suspense. As the team navigates the bustling streets of the Big Apple, they must also deal with internal shifts in leadership and a dangerous situation involving their mentor, Mother, in Washington, D.C. It is a great choice for fans of Spy School and Charlie Thorne who enjoy stories where kids use their wits and unique skills to save the day.

Highlights:

• An exciting, globe-trotting mystery set in iconic New York City locations.
• Strong themes of teamwork, environmental awareness, and global responsibility.
• A diverse cast of relatable characters with specialized skills in hacking, logic, and more.
• Perfect for fans of high-octane spy series and clever detective stories.