POWER PLAY

In this sequel to Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls (2017), Abby and pals at Smith School seek to uncover an avenging, demented computer hacker.

Beneath Smith School’s “preppy paradise” lies a second, secret school that prepares kids to become spies for the government-sponsored Center, and 13-year-old Abby’s convinced she’d “make an amazing spy.” When Drexel Caine, father of Abby’s classmate Toby and owner of the challenging augmented reality game “Monster Mayhem,” is kidnapped, Toby receives instructions from a hacker. Toby must win “Monster Mayhem” in exchange for Drexel’s release. On their school trip to Paris, Toby vanishes at the Louvre, and Abby learns the hacker’s none other than the notorious Micron. Abby’s frantic search for missing Toby leads her to Florida and then, allied with Center agents, on a dangerous mission to London, hoping to trap Micron. Once again, Abby’s cheeky, first-person, present-tense narration lends immediacy, realism, and humor to her well-intended penchant for precarious adventure. Grounded by the traditional boarding school venue and supported by a diverse cast of school chums, Abby (who seems to be white) reveals the makings of a real spy in the suspenseful climax.

Fearless wannabe spy Abby’s return in her latest fast-paced, intriguing, international escapade involving a complex computer game guarantees a rousing read.