About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like their unique talents go unnoticed or when they are struggling to find where they fit in. It is a perfect choice for the kid who loves logic puzzles but feels out of place in a world that rewards athletic prowess or social status. The story follows Ben Ripley, a math whiz who is recruited into a secret CIA academy only to realize he might have been chosen as bait rather than a super spy. Through humor and high-stakes action, the book explores themes of self-confidence, the value of being an underdog, and the importance of choosing loyal friends. While it features some cartoonish violence and school-age bullying, the tone remains light and empowering. It validates the middle school experience of feeling like an impostor while showing that being average in some areas allows your hidden strengths to shine when they matter most.
