Books Jack Reads

Note: This book is recommended for readers aged 13 and over.

Reasons: Violence, offensive language and mature themes.

 

Twelve year-old James Adams's life changes forever after his mother dies. Ending up in a children's home, he falls in with a bad crowd.

 

After he is arrested after a failed shoplifting attempt, James is soon given an opportunity to become a member of CHERUB, a branch of British Intelligence with one essential advantage, they use orphaned children as their agents, as criminals never suspect that kids can be spies.

 

But becoming an agent won't be easy, as James has to overcome his fear of water and get through 100 days of basic training. And if he makes it through all that, he'll be sent out on his first mission...

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Robert Muchamore is one of my favourite authors, and might also end up becoming one of your kids' favourite authors after reading this story. There are 17 books in total in the CHERUB series (with the characters getting older each time), but this one is the first.

 

The story's set in a recognizable version of England, with relatable characters, and impressive action sequences that kids (especially boys) will enjoy reading about, especially the ones featuring fellow agent Bruce Norris (whose name is a little inside joke for parents who know the actors Bruce Willis and Chuck Norris).

 

This series isn't just for boys either, as there are a number of female characters as well, like James's younger sister Lauren, and trainee agent (as well as James's soon-to-be girlfriend) Kerry Chang.

 

Just a warning to parents, some of the later books in this series cover more mature topics such as sex and drugs, so they're best left until your kids are at least 16.

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Overall, this is an action-packed, realistic novel, perfect for getting reluctant teenagers into reading, and the start of a great series.