About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like their social blunders are more noticeable than their strengths. While the plot involves a high-stakes mission to Mexico to stop an evil organization, the heart of the story addresses the universal struggle of being a late bloomer. Ben Ripley is a protagonist who succeeds not through superhuman strength, but through intelligence and persistence despite his constant clumsiness and self-doubt. It is an ideal pick for readers aged 8 to 12 who need to see that even 'experts' feel like impostors sometimes. The humor and fast-paced action make it a great choice for reluctant readers, while the emotional themes of loyalty and self-confidence provide meaningful substance for discussion. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes the awkwardness of early adolescence within a safe, fictional world.
