Riley Mack” Series by Chris Grabenstein

1. Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers
2. Riley Mack Stirs Up More Trouble

An interesting (and hilarious) series about sticking up for the underdog.

Recommended age: 10 – 12; 12 – 14; 14 – 16.

Riley Mack and his crew (Briana— the actress, Jake— the techie, Mongo— the muscle, Jamal— the assistant, and sometimes Mrs. Mack, Riley’s mom) set out to protect all who cannot protect themselves. If that leads them into huge schemes, conning, rescuing hapless individuals, bringing down bank robbers and various assorted bad guys, not to mention getting in danger, well, it’s all in the line of duty for them. They can act, spy, and talk themselves into any place in the town, and they’ll stop at nothing to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

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“Sure Fire” Series by Jack Higgins

1. Sure Fire
2. Death Run
3. Sharp Shot
4. First Strike

Fun action stories featuring teenage spies.

Recommended age: 14 – 16; 16 – 18

When Rich and Jade Chance’s mom is killed by a car, they wonder where they’re going to go next. At their mom’s funeral, however, their long-lost father shows up to take them to live with him. Two days after they move in, however, the father disappears, and less than an hour later his flat is shot up by gunmen. Rich and Jade go on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of their pursuers while desperately attempting to find out what’s going on.

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Abel’s Island by William Steig

An original story about a mouse who is washed away in a hurricane and stranded on an isolated island.

Recommended age: 8 – 10; 10 – 12; 12 – 14.

Abelard foolishly rushes out to save his wife’s scarf during a hurricane and gets blown away.  After being caught in a rushing stream, he finally comes to land on an island in the middle of a river, far from all other civilized small animals.   On the island, he manages to survive, feed himself, and protect himself from predators while he waits to be rescued.

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“Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School” series by Andrew Clements

1. We the Children
2. Fear Itself
3. The Whites of their Eyes
4. In Harm’s Way
5. We Hold These Truths

An intriguing series of stories of kids trying to solve an old mystery.

Recommended age: 10 – 12; 12 – 14; 14 – 16

Glennley is a large corporation which wants to buy Benjamin Pratt’s two hundred-year old school, demolish it and set up an amusement park.   One day as Benjamin is rushing to school, he comes across the school’s old custodian who is dying.  He gives Benjamin an old coin, and tells him that it is his duty to protect the school.  The coin has a clue on it which leads Benjamin onward.  But first he must get around a sinister assistant custodian or two who have secrets of their own.

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“Pete the Cat” series by Peg Kehret

1. The Stranger Next Door
2. Spy Cat

Two interesting stories about two series of crimes and the cat who helps solve them.

Recommended age: 10 – 12; 12 – 14

In the first book, there is a series of arsons in Alex and Benji’s neighborhood.   Pete the cat leads Alex on the way to the clues to solve the arsons, but then Alex finds himself in great danger.  In the second book, there is a series of burglaries in the area.   When the burglars hit Alex and Benji’s neighbor’s house, and then Alex and Benji’s house, it is very frightening — especially when Benji goes missing.   Fortunately for Alex and Benji, their cat, Pete, is also on the case — and with his help they catch the crooks and free Benji.   Now, if only Pete could stop eating french fries.

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