Our Children in the Shadows by J.T. Bird

I had to pick this one up the moment I saw the cover...but the cover only gives a hint of what this really is for a read. At least, that's what I'm getting after reading the blurb. This is, actually, a spy thriller with more. It sounds intriguing, and I do have a huge soft spot for mysteries. This book also already hit the shelves: so you can get your hands on a copy without having to wait if it sounds interesting to you.

So, let's put on our thinking caps, grab our clue notebooks, and head on in!

OUR CHILDREN IN THE SHADOWS

by J.T. Bird

Illustrated by Andy Catling

Middle Grade Spy

271 pages

ages 8 to 12

HOMEWORK'S TOUGH. SAVING THE WORLD IS TOUGHER.

Perfect for fans of Crookhaven, Spy School and The Mysterious Benedict Society

Spirited cockney, Haven, longs for adventure beyond the classroom walls. But when she's thrust into a world of spies and monstrous villains, fantasy turns to danger. Armed with only wit and courage, will she survive her very first mission - or will it be her last?

Packed with mystery and humour, Our Children in the Shadows is a story about courage, friendship, and believing in yourself — even when the world expects you to fail.

Perfect for readers who love:
• fast-paced spy adventures
• brave and determined young heroes
• mysterious secrets and hidden worlds

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Spunkiness meets clever twists and many surprises in a spy thriller with an unique direction.

Haven isn't exactly a star student, but everyone at school knows her well. She's got the reputation of weaving trouble as she conducts her so-called missions...and her means are more than questionable. When one of Haven's teachers connects her with a secret society of spies, which work against very dangerous villains to keep the country and world safe, it might be exactly right for her. Might. Thanks to her ever-present attitude and different perspective on how to approach things, she isn't always what people want or expect. Plus, the missions are more than deadly, and Haven might not be able to wiggle her way through even the first one.

This is a fast-paced spy adventure, which lets an unique girl take the lead into dangerous situations and gives her the task of working through clues. Everything is well laid out, making it difficult to see what is coming next. The characters are all vibrant and full of personality, and each situation grabs and draws in. But it's Haven, which demands the limelight. Her cockney accent already gives her a very different feel from the rest of the characters...and it's this aspect, which could cause a little reading difficulty for some. There's even a glossary at the front of the book to immediately prepare the reader for some of her more unique terms. But this slides right in with her vibrant personality and adds to her character in all the right ways. She sticks out, and not always in a good way, and that makes her so fun.

There's a lot going on in this read as Haven has to sink into new situations. This also includes some school drama, messages about friendship, and pulling through even when it seems no one is behind you. The world building is also well done and draws into each moment. 

It's a fun read for mystery fans who love characters with strong personalities, like a dash of humor, and are ready to sink into a read.