Can I just say that I love the “City Spies” series by James Ponti? This latest one, “Mission Manhattan,” is just as exciting and thrilling as the preceding books, and reading them brings me as much pleasure as reading one of my favorite adult spy novels, like Tess Gerritsen’s “The Spy Coast” or even John Scalzi’s “Starter Villain.” While granted, these spy novels are geared for middle grade readers, the plots and the action are every bit as well plotted and gripping as many of that genre written for adults. The major differences are that the books in this series are much quicker reads with spies that are underaged. But they are no less brilliant than any seasoned adult spy.

In “Mission Manhattan,” the spies don’t actually end up in Manhattan until almost the end of the novel. It starts with the group traveling to Venice from their home base in Scotland, where they must protect a young Brazilian activist who resembles Greta Thunberg in her passion to protect Earth against climate change. We observe the genius of the group as they figure out what the plot is and are able to foil it, though it’s a close call. As the danger continues, since Beatriz, the fictional activist, is still alive and ready to speak to the United Nations about her agenda, the small group of young spies, along with the two adult spies who care for them and help them on missions, must follow.

In their efforts to protect Beatriz, several of them return to their original roots before they were taken in under Mother’s wing. Mother is the man who adopted all the orphaned spy children and works with them in their home in Scotland. There is a backstory there which is a good reason to read these books in order. While they would stand alone, you’d miss many of the intricacies of their relationships — why, for example, one of the team is a new addition to their group. There’s also the point Ponti makes that each of the members of the team have different talents, and all talents are important. While one might be a computer expert, another might be all thumbs at trying anything to do with technology. Another is fabulous at solving puzzles, and yet another finds patterns that no one else will see. We all have different strengths, and that’s an important truth for children to realize.

Ponti is a genius at writing scenes that are not only descriptive, but also filled with action and clever dialogue. This whole series is a great choice for reluctant readers and fans of Stuart Gibbs’s “Spy School“ or “Charlie Thorne” series. While Gibbs is brilliant at injecting humor into his novels, Ponti’s genius is creating characters who continue to grow and develop in each subsequent novel. In this novel, Rio, named for that Brazilian city, takes center stage as he and Beatriz have that in common.

Teachers and librarians take note: This is the kind of book that will get kids hooked on reading. There’s enough excitement and thrilling action to enthrall all kinds of readers, and the different characters and personalities of the team will provide many kids with the opportunity to relate their own unique talents to those of the young spies in the novels. You definitely want to have these books on your classroom bookshelf or in your school library.

Please note: This review is based on the final, hardcover book provided by Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), the publisher, for review purposes.