Families who loved City of the Dead by James Ponti often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is a logical thinker who feels a little different from their peers or struggles to find where they belong. While it is a high-octane spy thriller, the heart of the story lies in Kathmandu (Kat), a brilliant girl who sees the world through numbers, patterns, and rigid logic. Parents will appreciate how the story validates neurodivergent traits as superpowers rather than obstacles. Set against the backdrop of London, the plot follows a team of young world-class spies investigating a series of high-stakes cyberattacks. As they navigate puzzles and international intrigue, Kat must also grapple with her own mysterious past and learn to trust her team. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy technology, coding, and stories where intelligence and teamwork save the day. The book manages to be both a fast-paced page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of identity and found family.