Death Run

In this high-stakes sequel, twins Rich and Jade find themselves in the crosshairs of the Mafia. Their father, John Chance, is a high-level operative tasked with protecting a defecting mafia banker. When the criminals realize they can leverage the children to reach their father, the action explodes across international locales, featuring a tense kidnapping attempt in Venice and a climactic shoot-out at an English private school. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly and secularly with organized crime, kidnapping, and gun violence. While the peril is intense, the resolution is hopeful and reinforces the strength of the family unit. The violence is stylized in the vein of a PG-13 action movie rather than being gratuitously graphic. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of underlying tension that rapidly escalates into high-gear suspense. It maintains a steady pulse of adrenaline, culminating in a triumphant but breathless resolution. The emotional core remains the unwavering bond between the siblings. IDEAL READER: A 12-year-old who feels overshadowed by the 'adult world' and craves a story where kids are the heroes of their own survival. It's perfect for fans of Alex Rider who enjoy the blend of realistic settings with extraordinary circumstances. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child gravitating toward action movies or expressing a desire for more autonomy. The 'trigger' is the sight of the children being targeted at school, a place typically considered safe. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the depictions of firearms and the concept of 'mafia' violence. The school shoot-out scene is the most intense and may require a post-reading check-in. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (11) will focus on the 'cool' gadgets and the thrill of the chase, while older readers (14) will better appreciate the moral complexities of their father's career and the burden of living in the shadow of danger. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many YA thrillers that rely on fantasy or sci-fi, Death Run is a grounded, contemporary 'techno-thriller' for kids, co-authored by a legend of the genre, Jack Higgins.