Playing With Fire (School for S.P.I.E.S., 1) - Softcover

Hale, Bruce

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1423171055 ISBN 13: 9781423171058

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 2014

Synopsis

Juvenile delinquent and budding pyromaniac Max Segredo belongs in juvie hall. At least, that's what his most recent foster family would tell you. Instead, Max ends up on the doorstep of Merry Sunshine Orphanage-their very heavily guarded doorstep. As he begins to acclimate to his new home, Max learns a few things straightaway: first, cracking a Caesar Cipher isn't as hard as it seems; second, never sass your instructor if she's also holding throwing knives; and third, he may not be an orphan after all. Soon, Max and the rest of the students are sent on a mission to keep a dangerous weapon out of the hands of LOTUS, an international group bent on world domination. Of course, all Max cares about is finding out more about his father, the man he's now sure is still alive. As the stakes get higher, Max must make some difficult choices, including who to trust, and finally learns the true meaning of family.

About this title

Review

PRAISE FOR PLAYING WITH FIRE
"Hale threads the narrative with colorful metaphors and throwaway lines and festoons it with high- and low-tech tools of spycraft. One character's sudden murder aside, the tone is mostly light, with family issues and conflicting loyalties (driven by troubling revelations about Max's dad) for added texture.This lightweight kid-spy romp should find some eager readers." "Kirkus Reviews""

PRAISE FOR PLAYING WITH FIRE
"The book has nonstop action, clear detailed descriptions, and a plot that's easy to follow. . . . a good introduction to the genre." ""School Library Journal"""

PRAISE FOR PLAYING WITH FIRE

"Hale threads the narrative with colorful metaphors and throwaway lines and festoons it with high- and low-tech tools of spycraft. One character's sudden murder aside, the tone is mostly light, with family issues and conflicting loyalties (driven by troubling revelations about Max's dad) for added texture.This lightweight kid-spy romp should find some eager readers."--Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR PLAYING WITH FIRE

"The book has nonstop action, clear detailed descriptions, and a plot that's easy to follow. . . . a good introduction to the genre." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Edgar-nominated author Bruce Hale (www.brucehale.com) is passionate about inspiring reluctant readers to read. He has written or illustrated more than 25 seriously funny books for children, including the popular Chet Gecko Mysteries series and the comics-novel hybrid, Underwhere, as well as picture books such as Snoring Beauty and Moki and the Magic Surfboard. An actor and a Fulbright Scholar in Storytelling, Bruce is in demand as a speaker, having presented at conferences, universities, and schools across North America. His acting resume includes regional commercials, theater, and an independent film, "The Ride." Bruce's book The Malted Falcon was an Edgar Award Finalist. Murder, My Tweet won the Little D Award for Humor Writing. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1423171055
• ISBN 13: 9781423171058
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 308
• Illustrator: Dorman Brandon