CHERUB: The Recruit

This book is absolutely fantastic. The first in a series that will keep children and adults up long after their bedtime turning pages and dreaming that they are James Adams. I first read this book about 8 years ago after reading the second one first! Typical! This book lays grounding for the rest. About a young orphan who is adopted by a secret organisation and trained to be a spy alongside many others like him. As a school librarian I have used this book to encourage many, many reluctant boy readers to pick up a book and give a go. It works, they are completely drawn in times and time again. It should not be seen as merely a boys read though, many girls love the series because there are strong female characters in the books as well.

I have been in love with the Cherub series since one of my tutoring students introduced me to it a few years ago. Spy stories are definitely my thing, and throwing kids into this world makes the situation more tense while still leaving room for humor. I'm glad that the books are becoming easier to find in the US, because this is a series that a lot of MG and YA readers will love for the realism and action and that appeals to both boys and girls as well as reluctant readers. One of my favorite things about this series is how the girls are just as tough if not tougher than the boys, and on a mission, none of that matters. Thanks to Hodder/Hachette for giving me access through Net Galley to reread it. Love the new covers!