Playing with Fire succeeds by transforming a misunderstood rule-breaker into a high-stakes spy using elite gadgets and cinematic action. The story balances snarky humor with a mystery regarding family secrets and the search for belonging. Books in this family share an underdog protagonist whose supposed flaws become strengths when they find their specialized crew.
Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'troublemaker' or is struggling to find a place where their unique energy and talents are actually valued. It is an ideal choice for children navigating the complexities of foster care, adoption, or a missing parental figure, as it validates the search for identity without being overly sentimental. Max Segredo is a juvenile delinquent who thinks he is a 'bad kid' until he is sent to a school for young spies. The story follows Max as he learns that his supposed flaws, like his talent for lock-picking and quick thinking, are actually his greatest strengths. While the plot is full of high-stakes action and humor, the emotional heart of the book is about Max discovering his father might be alive and learning that family is defined by loyalty rather than blood. It is a fast-paced, funny, and deeply reassuring read for any child who feels like a misfit.
