2022, Children's Books, Comics & Graphic Novels
WISE Score
Amazon
Math nerd Ben Ripley accidentally joins the CIA. It’s basically James Bond if Bond was a 12-year-old who tripped over his own feet.
4.6
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This is a solid win. Stuart Gibbs knows exactly how to hook a kid who would rather be playing video games. It’s funny, it’s smart, and it doesn’t talk down to its audience.
If your kid is stuck in a reading rut, this graphic novel is the shovel to get them out. It’s not 'educational' in the way that makes kids roll their eyes, but it rewards intelligence and critical thinking. It’s a high-quality, high-engagement pick for any middle-schooler's shelf.
Perfect for the 8-to-12 crowd. It hits that sweet spot where kids want action and independence but aren't quite ready for the heavy themes of YA novels.
It captures the awkward reality of middle school without being mean-spirited. Ben is a good kid trying his best, and while there's plenty of snark, the core values of teamwork and persistence are solid.
The 'secret spy school' trope is a classic for a reason. The gadgets, hidden underground bunkers, and the idea that a math nerd could be a secret weapon are great fuel for a kid's imagination.
It's a book, so no hidden chat rooms or IAPs. The violence is purely 'action-movie' style—explosions and chase scenes—but rendered in a stylized, comic-book way that isn't gruesome.
Ben uses his brain, specifically his math skills and deductive reasoning, to solve problems. It's a stealthy way to make being smart look much cooler than being strong.
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