Beil, Michael D. A New Recruit. 400p. (Agents of the Glass: Bk. 1). ebook available. Knopf. Sept. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385753210; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780385753227. 

Gr 4-7 –A fun and interesting series starter reminiscent of the “Mission Impossible” franchise. The Agents of Glass is a secret organization that fights against a dangerous group known as Entropy (NTRP). When Andy Llewellyn witnesses a bank robbery and finds a bag of money on the street, he does the right thing and returns the fortune to the bank. His honesty sparks the interest of the Agents, and they recruit him to join their effort. Andy soon finds himself working against NTRP and its plans to control the minds of the affluent children of the city. But who can he trust? Winter Neale is popular and engaging. Jensen Huntley is a news-hungry conspiracy theorist with a penchant for justice. Andy must watch both of them to decide what to do and whom to stop. Armed with a piece of special glass that can see the evil that surrounds people like the flames of a fire, Andy and his handler Silas must stop NTRP and save the world from falling into chaos. Readers will be taken on an adventure full of twists and turns and questions about honesty and sacrifice. VERDICT A solid purchase for middle grade mystery and action-adventure lovers.–Elizabeth Speer, Weatherford College, Weatherford, TX

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Children of Exile. 304p. ebook available. S. & S. Sept. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781442450035. POP

Gr 4-8 –Twelve-year old Rosi has spent her entire life away from her parents. She, her brother, and the other children from her hometown were brought to Fredtown as infants to be kept safe from danger. This small, structured, and simple community named after the Norwegian word for peace is the only environment the children have ever known. When the Fred-parents abruptly inform the children they will be returning home, questions flood Rosi’s mind but are left unanswered. The children are forced onto an airplane heading to a place that feels foreign, where they are greeted by biological parents who are strangers to them. At first, Rosi is desperate to return to Fredtown. Then she begins to uncover mysteries and question what she’s been told all along. Haddix brilliantly sets up her story, giving readers just enough information to keep them grounded while elevating tension through Rosi’s uncertainty. Fast-paced action, plot twists, and cliff-hanger chapter endings will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Haddix’s tone and language and the absence of graphic violence make this an ideal selection for younger readers eager for a dystopian novel. VERDICT Fans of Jeanne DuPrau’s The City of Ember and Haddix’s own “Shadow Children” series will want to be first in line for this book.–Beth Parmer, New Albany Elementary Library, OH

McGee, Ron. Ryan Quinn and the Rebel’s Escape. 368p. (Ryan Quinn: Bk. 1). HarperCollins. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062421647.

Gr 5-8 –McGee’s debut novel offers readers a plot-driven and action-packed whirlwind tour around the world. Ryan Quinn and his family finally settle down in New York, when someone shady starts following him. Then his mother gets kidnapped and his dad goes missing (he was supposed to be in Thailand on business). Ryan soon finds out that his parents both work for the Emergency Rescue Committee, an organization that saves rebels around the world from certain death. And they have been training Ryan for this dangerous work his whole life. Ryan wants nothing to do with it, but he feels compelled to take action to find his dad and save his mom. Readers will root for Ryan and feel sympathy for him because of his situation. Secondary characters are mostly formulaic. The writing seems more like a screenplay, with many play-by-play action scenes. Despite the beautiful settings in which Ryan finds himself, there isn’t much in the way of description, making this best suited for kids looking for a fast read with an emphasis on plot over character development. VERDICT Ideal for fans of Alex Rider and libraries with a large action fanbase.–Rachel Reinwald, Lake Villa District Library, IL

Magoon, Kekla. Rebellion of Thieves. 256p. (A Robyn Hoodlum Adventure: Bk. 2). Bloomsbury. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781619636552. POP 

Gr 5-8 –Magoon immediately draws readers into the world of 12-year-old Robyn Loxley, who establishes her leadership in the rebellion against evil despot Ignomus Crown. Readers do not need to be familiar with book 1, but the story will be more satisfying for fans of the first novel. Robyn and her band of thieves have found a way to infiltrate Castle District by entering the Iron Teen competition. A fancy dinner at the governor’s mansion awaits the winning finalists, and Robyn is certain she can win. But they will need to successfully break out the political prisoners locked inside the mansion, including Robyn’s mom, to overthrow Crown’s oppressive government. Readers see Robyn mature and grow as the leader of the rebellion. Robyn is at the helm of the battle to bring back justice to Nott City, but her struggle is internal as well. The heroine is starting to understand that she’s part of something greater than herself and learning how to share the heaviness of her responsibility by counting on others. Woven throughout are themes about social justice and personal integrity. The diverse cast of characters and familial traditions connected to cultural heritage add complexity and appeal. Magoon’s writing exemplifies the best in what readers and educators seek in diversity in children’s literature. VERDICT A satisfying and nuanced follow-up to this hit series. Readers will anxiously anticipate the next installment.–Lettycia Terrones, California State University, Pollak Library, Fullerton, CA

These reviews were published in School Library Journal’s July 2016 issue.