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Jane Blond, International Spy
Fourteen year-old Jane Blond thought getting through high school was difficult enough with her dad in prison and her mother dating. Throw in being bullied by the popular girl who has everything, and it’s completely unbearable. But when terrorists kidnap a boy she cares about, she knows she is the only one who can save him. Jane must rely on her courage and cunning as well as on a computer genius, a teen with Asperger’s, and a parrot with an attitude.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 2, 2015
Please note I received a complementary copy of this book from Inspired Kathy in exchange for an honest review. I'm rating it 3.5 stars rounding up to 4 stars.
Jane Blond goes to school at Broxton which is for either the very wealthy or very intelligent who get scholarships. Jane's father pre-paid her tuition before he was sent to prison for a white collar crime. Now Jane and her mother are living with Vladamir who is a very wealthy Russian. Jane doesn't like or dislike him but doesn't want him replacing her father.
Jane has all sorts of problems but handles everything calmly. Her best friend, Anouk, is having trouble at home so Jane tries to help her out as much as she can. Some rich Uzbekistanian students harass her daily. She also has a talking parrot that repeats everything it hears. When it repeated what some men said who broke into Jane's house looking for a memory stick with important data on it, the FBI were able to track them down. Then a boy she likes gets kidnapped so being an International Spy, Jane sets out to rescue him. As spies do, she uncovered a terrorist plot to kill the American President making her a hero.
This is a nice suspenseful adventure with great characters. Jane is an extremely capable 14 year old who cares deeply for her friends and family. She is not typical for a girl her age but more like a super-hero. Jane is very brave and courageous making her a good influence for young teens.
In general, Jane Blond International Spy isn't realistic or believable but a fun read. That's what fiction is for - to escape into a world that is fun to visit but wouldn't want to live there.
This book is great for YA readers who likes mysteries.
Jane Blond goes to school at Broxton which is for either the very wealthy or very intelligent who get scholarships. Jane's father pre-paid her tuition before he was sent to prison for a white collar crime. Now Jane and her mother are living with Vladamir who is a very wealthy Russian. Jane doesn't like or dislike him but doesn't want him replacing her father.
Jane has all sorts of problems but handles everything calmly. Her best friend, Anouk, is having trouble at home so Jane tries to help her out as much as she can. Some rich Uzbekistanian students harass her daily. She also has a talking parrot that repeats everything it hears. When it repeated what some men said who broke into Jane's house looking for a memory stick with important data on it, the FBI were able to track them down. Then a boy she likes gets kidnapped so being an International Spy, Jane sets out to rescue him. As spies do, she uncovered a terrorist plot to kill the American President making her a hero.
This is a nice suspenseful adventure with great characters. Jane is an extremely capable 14 year old who cares deeply for her friends and family. She is not typical for a girl her age but more like a super-hero. Jane is very brave and courageous making her a good influence for young teens.
In general, Jane Blond International Spy isn't realistic or believable but a fun read. That's what fiction is for - to escape into a world that is fun to visit but wouldn't want to live there.
This book is great for YA readers who likes mysteries.
March 8, 2016
I was expecting more from this book, but I was just not able to connect with the characters as much as I wanted to... Review to come later.
December 6, 2015
Jane Blond International Spy is a YA book I received as a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. Jane is a 14-year-old teenager who attends a private school where she seems to find trouble everywhere she looks. She is sassy and quick on her feet. She chooses friends that are not ones that girls that are popular tend to choose. Of course, there are different ways of being popular and it seems that Jane's popularity comes more from her run-ins with two students from Uzbekistan that seem to take pride in bullying those that are less fortunate. Jane's best pals are an Inuit student and a brainy student. In this school most of the students are gifted in different ways. Bruce is very smart with computers. Anouk is a student that spends a great deal of time working multiple jobs to support a family that does not seem to function very well and leaves a teenage girl to go to school full-time and work full-time while they remain at home. Anouk still manages to be successful despite pressures from her home life. Bruce is suffering from family problems as well but has a great support system. Another schoolmate who is the son of a British diplomat is missing and so is his father. Jane becomes very involved much to the dismay of her mother and federal authorities. She strikes out on her own with the help of her friend Bruce. She also has the unwitting help of her gray parrot and Jeff, another student in her class that has Aspergers Syndrome.
Jane has family problems of her own that she is working through, a mom that is dating someone she does not like, a dad that is absent because of his own problems and her own propensity to find trouble in all its fashion. It seems a bit surreal most times how dangerous the trouble is and how she manages to extract herself from some of the situations. But, taking Jane Blond International Spy as an action-packed book where things don't necessarily go her way as a chance to read something a bit different that involves one of my favorite sub-genres, spy/espionage, it was an enjoyable fast-paced read. Review can also be seen at LadyTechie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesBookMusings.blogspo...
Jane has family problems of her own that she is working through, a mom that is dating someone she does not like, a dad that is absent because of his own problems and her own propensity to find trouble in all its fashion. It seems a bit surreal most times how dangerous the trouble is and how she manages to extract herself from some of the situations. But, taking Jane Blond International Spy as an action-packed book where things don't necessarily go her way as a chance to read something a bit different that involves one of my favorite sub-genres, spy/espionage, it was an enjoyable fast-paced read. Review can also be seen at LadyTechie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesBookMusings.blogspo...
October 15, 2015
Not only was this book super cute but very suspenseful as well. This is not all light and fluffy, there is some edginess to it that was very likable.
The characters in this story are great. I loved Jane! She was an awesome super hero and great role model for teen girls. She was a very likable, nice, sweet, respectful, but a very gutsy teen - she didn't take crap from anyone, especially the bad guys!
There are some very heartfelt moments thrown in here as well - a dad in prison and how Jane handles the disappointments that come along with this. Also having a boy with Asperger’s. Jane befriends him and is very kind to him. He also shows up later in the story (but I don't want to give it away). I love that they added him to the story. It made it more real for me.
I love that this book was written by a Grandfather/Granddaughter team. I don't know how much input Brianna had, but I like that he respected his Granddaughter enough to write a book with her, especially a YA book. Yay, you rock - Granddad!
This story was nicely paced. It was exciting and quick reading. A real page turner.
I get the feeling that this is the start of a series???? At least I hope it is. I would love to read another one by this great author duo.
Thank you Stan Schatt for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review!
The characters in this story are great. I loved Jane! She was an awesome super hero and great role model for teen girls. She was a very likable, nice, sweet, respectful, but a very gutsy teen - she didn't take crap from anyone, especially the bad guys!
There are some very heartfelt moments thrown in here as well - a dad in prison and how Jane handles the disappointments that come along with this. Also having a boy with Asperger’s. Jane befriends him and is very kind to him. He also shows up later in the story (but I don't want to give it away). I love that they added him to the story. It made it more real for me.
I love that this book was written by a Grandfather/Granddaughter team. I don't know how much input Brianna had, but I like that he respected his Granddaughter enough to write a book with her, especially a YA book. Yay, you rock - Granddad!
This story was nicely paced. It was exciting and quick reading. A real page turner.
I get the feeling that this is the start of a series???? At least I hope it is. I would love to read another one by this great author duo.
Thank you Stan Schatt for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 29, 2015
If you love spy novels and adventure packed stories , books like Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl series - then Jane Blond International Spy is the book for you as it follows fourteen year old Jane Blond - yep, just like the famous fictional agent James Bond as she navigates not only life with her stepfather but also her real dad in jail for a White Collar Crime , school but also bad guys and saving the day as she becomes in the middle of an active investigation after visiting an old family friend one night whose father is in hospital with Cancer. It all started because she left her jersey at his place , rubbed up against a chair and then on the school field trip set off the Geiger scale as "Radioactive" . This was followed by a FBI trip and soon grew into terriost attacks, kidnapping and of course being shot at numerous times.
Jane will have to save the day with the help of her friend Bruce whose father is a CIA Analyst , her friend Jeff who has Aspergers syndrome and of course the Grey Parrot who has a knack for copying and speaking at the wrong times.
This book is aimed at tweens and I found it quite a fun adventure novel , jam-packed with mischief and mayhem. Perfect for girls aged 12+.
Jane will have to save the day with the help of her friend Bruce whose father is a CIA Analyst , her friend Jeff who has Aspergers syndrome and of course the Grey Parrot who has a knack for copying and speaking at the wrong times.
This book is aimed at tweens and I found it quite a fun adventure novel , jam-packed with mischief and mayhem. Perfect for girls aged 12+.
December 2, 2015
The book Jane Blond International Spy is a great action packed adventure about a 14 year old girl that gets involved in more than she imagined. She is dealing with family issues involving a dad in jail, step dad she doesn't much like, mom that doesn't pay attention to her, best friend mistreated, she is bullied at school, and her inquisitive mind leads her to clues beyond what a girl her age should be dealing with. She uncovers clues to terrorists that have a bomb, they kidnap friends, she has to find them, FBI doesn't believe her and threatens her, she finds out the terrorist is plotting to kill the President, she gets...well I won't spoil it for you. There is a lot of action and adventure and it is non-stop! She never gets a break, she always gets the blame, and the reader wants to scream at the book for someone to listen to the poor girl before she gets killed! The characters are well developed. The plot has lots of surprises and twists. Although this is a teen story, adults will like this story also. Good clean action adventure that doesn't let you breath. I got this book for a honest review and I am glad I did or I probably would never would have had the chance to read it.
December 12, 2015
Jane Blond, not to be confused with James Bond, isn’t your typical every day run of the mill teenager. Sure, she’s a fourteen year old girl trying to survive high school and all the petty drama that goes along with it. On top of the high school scene her dad’s in jail, her mom’s dating again, and she has an uncle who she suspects is a spy. However, she’s different then the other students, when her crush is kidnapped she doesn’t sit on the sidelines, she jumps right in and puts herself right in the middle of danger and does everything she can to save him. When the kidnapper’s plot starts to unravel and it’s clear that the President is in jeopardy, she knows that she can protect him and she’ll not let anyone stand in her way even when the bullets start flying.
This was a great book found in children’s literature, and I believe that children and teens will love it. Jane Blond is very likable and a modern day teenager hero. However, the author did such a great job writing it, that I loved it and I’m thirty-two. There was suspense, mystery, and a little crush that gives a little childhood romance. It’s very clean and I think my children would love it.
This was a great book found in children’s literature, and I believe that children and teens will love it. Jane Blond is very likable and a modern day teenager hero. However, the author did such a great job writing it, that I loved it and I’m thirty-two. There was suspense, mystery, and a little crush that gives a little childhood romance. It’s very clean and I think my children would love it.
October 17, 2015
Jane Blond International Spy by Brianna & Stan Schatt
4 STARS
Entertaining. this is a exciting YA adventure involving teen drama, terrorist plot and the President
s visit. . Did not want to put this down. It is a clean read too.
Jane Blond is fourteen years old and goes to a private school. Her father is in jail for a white collar crime. Her Uncle has taught her skills like to pick a lock, shoot a gun in secret.
Jane is smart, puts clues together that the adults don't see. She is determined to help those around her, especially when a boy she likes is kidnapped.
Jane has some enemies in school. Two rich students who don't like America and what it stands for.
They are popular too. Jane has one really good friend who has a lot of drama in her life too.
The setting is Washington D.C.
Jane gets teased by her name but comes to earn it too.
I would read more books about Jane Blond in the future.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give a honest review of Jane Blond International Spy.
4 STARS
Entertaining. this is a exciting YA adventure involving teen drama, terrorist plot and the President
s visit. . Did not want to put this down. It is a clean read too.
Jane Blond is fourteen years old and goes to a private school. Her father is in jail for a white collar crime. Her Uncle has taught her skills like to pick a lock, shoot a gun in secret.
Jane is smart, puts clues together that the adults don't see. She is determined to help those around her, especially when a boy she likes is kidnapped.
Jane has some enemies in school. Two rich students who don't like America and what it stands for.
They are popular too. Jane has one really good friend who has a lot of drama in her life too.
The setting is Washington D.C.
Jane gets teased by her name but comes to earn it too.
I would read more books about Jane Blond in the future.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give a honest review of Jane Blond International Spy.
November 30, 2015
I really appreciate the content and pace of this story. The authors deliver a fresh main character with an assortment of unusual friends and helpers, including an Inuit, a boy on the Autism Spectrum, and a grey parrot. The plot moved forward pointedly, there was nothing superfluous holding the action back, and the pace was perfect. I liked how the first person narrative included just the right amount of self-questioning with confident action. Sometimes the narrative would not reveal the character's specific idea until later, but that was a fun, playful encouragement to continue reading with anticipation. I appreciated how interesting issues were presented. The resolutions were satisfying and ending was effective (no spoilers here).
I am a mother and often read YA/ kids books to see if I'd recommend them for my own children. I would definitely recommend this book for my daughter when she is older, as well as my son, now. Even though the protagonist is female, this is not a "romance" and the spy action/suspense appeals to boys, as well.
I am a mother and often read YA/ kids books to see if I'd recommend them for my own children. I would definitely recommend this book for my daughter when she is older, as well as my son, now. Even though the protagonist is female, this is not a "romance" and the spy action/suspense appeals to boys, as well.
October 20, 2015
Jane Blond was a little slow to start for me but, after the first chapter it took off like gang busters and I was caught up in the whirlwind of activity. Jane I believe is supposed to come off as your average fourteen year old girl she however, is anything but average. She is smart, clever, and has skills I never had at fourteen. This is one girl I don't want to get on the wrong side of and yet I wanted to be her. I truly enjoyed reading about Jane and her friends. This book had all the elements of a fantastic mystery spy novel. There were several times that I marveled and cheered Jane on for her courage and attitude. This may be in the YA genre but I believe this is a book for any age. This is one adventure I am glad I plunged into. Brianna & Stan Schatt definitely know how to captivate their audience with a spy novel. I would be thrilled to review anyone of their books again and again.
October 9, 2024
Jane Blond, not to be confused with James Bond, isn’t your typical every day run of the mill teenager. Sure, she’s a fourteen year old girl trying to survive high school and all the petty drama that goes along with it. On top of the high school scene her dad’s in jail, her mom’s dating again, and she has an uncle who she suspects is a spy. However, she’s different then the other students, when her crush is kidnapped she doesn’t sit on the sidelines, she jumps right in and puts herself right in the middle of danger and does everything she can to save him. When the kidnapper’s plot starts to unravel and it’s clear that the President is in jeopardy, she knows that she can protect him and she’ll not let anyone stand in her way even when the bullets start flying.
This was a great book found in children’s literature, and I believe that children and teens will love it. Jane Blond is very likable and a modern day teenager hero. However, the author did such a great job writing it, that I loved it and I’m thirty-two. There was suspense, mystery, and a little crush that gives a little childhood romance. It’s very clean and I think my children would love it.
This was a great book found in children’s literature, and I believe that children and teens will love it. Jane Blond is very likable and a modern day teenager hero. However, the author did such a great job writing it, that I loved it and I’m thirty-two. There was suspense, mystery, and a little crush that gives a little childhood romance. It’s very clean and I think my children would love it.
February 17, 2016
Title: Jane Blond International Spy
Author: Brianna Schett & Stan Schett
Published: 9-18-15
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Pages: 182
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Teen & YA; Middle Grade, Action & Adventure
ISBN: 9781513703889
ASIN: B0155PJZ6E
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Jane is a typical child of divorced parents with a few major exceptions, her father is in prison for a white collar crime, her uncle teaches her how to pick locks and shoot a gun, her mother's Russian boyfriend is believed to be an arms dealer and she attends an exclusive school for the brilliant and or children of some of the richest in the world. Other than that she is just like the girl next door. She has a nemesis in school who lives to make her and everyone else miserable. She has to visit her father on the sly because her mother never has anything good to say about him and would make her life miserable if she knew. Not to mention a Grey Parrot named Gertrude who seems to be smarter than most humans with a giant attitude.
Jane is a loyal friend and looks out for her friends, especially Bruce who is brilliant with computers but self-conscience around others, Anouk who is Inuit the school on a scholarship because she is brilliant, and Jeff who has Asperger Syndrome. She has a crush on Brett, the son of a British diplomat and wants to be a cheerleader. She is about to have her world tipped on its axis.
Her home is broken into and her room trashed, a fellow student and his father are kidnapped and she is taken in for questioning by the FBI. When she learns there is a threat to the president and the FBI do not believe her she begins to try to find proof and with the help of her friends and her Uncle she puts herself right in the line of fire of the terrorist.
Once you begin to read this story you will not want to stop. The story is full of action and moves so smoothly that it is a joy to read. The characters are so memorable, some you will love and some you will just want to slap because you dislike them so much, to me that would be Tula. Believe me we all knew a Tula during our school days. My favorite character, besides Jane of course is Gertrude. I just want to steal her and bring her home. I have no doubt she would rule my cats within the hour.
Brianna Schatt is still in school herself and even with her father coauthoring with her is phenomenal in her writing. If this is a sample of her writing ability now I cannot wait to see what she does as she gains more experience. Dr. Stan Schatt is and author of numerous paranormal and science fiction books for teens and young adults. He has been a professor and advised many business as well as running a successful business himself. If looking for an example renaissance man then this would be one.
Is the story possible the answer is yes. Is it probable then most likely not, but it is called fiction for a reason. Suspend reality and let your imagination soar and you will be in for a treat. I hope to hear more of Jane in the near future. I may be way over the Young Adult status but had so much fun reading Jane Blond, International Spy so much I am giving copies to some readers I know will enjoy it.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jane-...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Brianna Schett & Stan Schett
Published: 9-18-15
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Pages: 182
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Teen & YA; Middle Grade, Action & Adventure
ISBN: 9781513703889
ASIN: B0155PJZ6E
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Jane is a typical child of divorced parents with a few major exceptions, her father is in prison for a white collar crime, her uncle teaches her how to pick locks and shoot a gun, her mother's Russian boyfriend is believed to be an arms dealer and she attends an exclusive school for the brilliant and or children of some of the richest in the world. Other than that she is just like the girl next door. She has a nemesis in school who lives to make her and everyone else miserable. She has to visit her father on the sly because her mother never has anything good to say about him and would make her life miserable if she knew. Not to mention a Grey Parrot named Gertrude who seems to be smarter than most humans with a giant attitude.
Jane is a loyal friend and looks out for her friends, especially Bruce who is brilliant with computers but self-conscience around others, Anouk who is Inuit the school on a scholarship because she is brilliant, and Jeff who has Asperger Syndrome. She has a crush on Brett, the son of a British diplomat and wants to be a cheerleader. She is about to have her world tipped on its axis.
Her home is broken into and her room trashed, a fellow student and his father are kidnapped and she is taken in for questioning by the FBI. When she learns there is a threat to the president and the FBI do not believe her she begins to try to find proof and with the help of her friends and her Uncle she puts herself right in the line of fire of the terrorist.
Once you begin to read this story you will not want to stop. The story is full of action and moves so smoothly that it is a joy to read. The characters are so memorable, some you will love and some you will just want to slap because you dislike them so much, to me that would be Tula. Believe me we all knew a Tula during our school days. My favorite character, besides Jane of course is Gertrude. I just want to steal her and bring her home. I have no doubt she would rule my cats within the hour.
Brianna Schatt is still in school herself and even with her father coauthoring with her is phenomenal in her writing. If this is a sample of her writing ability now I cannot wait to see what she does as she gains more experience. Dr. Stan Schatt is and author of numerous paranormal and science fiction books for teens and young adults. He has been a professor and advised many business as well as running a successful business himself. If looking for an example renaissance man then this would be one.
Is the story possible the answer is yes. Is it probable then most likely not, but it is called fiction for a reason. Suspend reality and let your imagination soar and you will be in for a treat. I hope to hear more of Jane in the near future. I may be way over the Young Adult status but had so much fun reading Jane Blond, International Spy so much I am giving copies to some readers I know will enjoy it.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jane-...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
October 17, 2015
I was provided with a copy of Jane Blond International Spy in exchange for an honest review. This mystery is phenomenal! In the beginning, Jane is a normal teenager in high school—except for the fact that her father is in a secure facility for a crime that she believes he did not commit. She has a best friend named Anouk and she lives with her mother and Vladimir—the Russian boyfriend who her father would testify against in a heartbeat. Jane is confused and making her own assumptions as far as who to trust and who she should be leery of. Her Uncle Bill helps her with fundamental defense skills, like how to shoot a gun and pick a lock. Jane swears up and down that he must have been some type of spy—but he has never told her anything about his career. Going over to her partner’s house to assist with a project for school, Jane finds out that his father has been hospitalized because doctors found cancer. A mysterious radioactivity gadget brings some FBI agents right up to Jane’s door and Jane quickly finds herself needing to solve a mystery. Will she be able to find the truth about a terrorist organization in Washington D.C. or will it find her?
My favorite characters are Jane, Gertrude, Jeff, Vladimir and Uncle Bill. Jane is so confident and truly so amazing, especially after reading about how she doesn’t find herself to be of interest to the prestigious school that no one can afford other than the rich. During her personal investigation, she discovers several things about the case at hand—but I loved how she found a lot about herself and challenges that she was willing to take even when her life was at stake. It is very admirable! Gertrude is the parrot that Jane doesn’t really have any affection for, but she does acknowledge that the bird is very smart and can respect that. She knows that she may just need the bird’s help one day, so stuffing it with crackers is the best option to stay on her good side. Jeff has his own part to play, but I love the friendship that Jane has with him, even though it is not as open since he has Asperger’s Syndrome. Jane’s compassion for Jeff and his differences have never deterred her from showing kindness to Jeff and I really enjoyed reading about their special way of understanding each other. Vladimir is a mystery throughout almost the entire read and I loved it! I tried to figure out every angle, but I was actually wrong about my original hypothesis. Uncle Bill is the last of my favorites. He is very secretive, but affectionate and I saw that he really cared for Jane and his brother, enough to really talk to her about the truth of certain aspects in her life that provided her with confusion.
In my opinion I rate Jane Blond International Spy with five stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it enough to read in one day! These characters are developed and the story is original with loads of creativity! The pace is nice and fast, but not obscenely so. I actually found a wonderful rhythm and kept on trucking through the chapters with excitement. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys young adult mystery and suspense. It is a wonderful read and I look forward to reading more by these incredible authors!
My favorite characters are Jane, Gertrude, Jeff, Vladimir and Uncle Bill. Jane is so confident and truly so amazing, especially after reading about how she doesn’t find herself to be of interest to the prestigious school that no one can afford other than the rich. During her personal investigation, she discovers several things about the case at hand—but I loved how she found a lot about herself and challenges that she was willing to take even when her life was at stake. It is very admirable! Gertrude is the parrot that Jane doesn’t really have any affection for, but she does acknowledge that the bird is very smart and can respect that. She knows that she may just need the bird’s help one day, so stuffing it with crackers is the best option to stay on her good side. Jeff has his own part to play, but I love the friendship that Jane has with him, even though it is not as open since he has Asperger’s Syndrome. Jane’s compassion for Jeff and his differences have never deterred her from showing kindness to Jeff and I really enjoyed reading about their special way of understanding each other. Vladimir is a mystery throughout almost the entire read and I loved it! I tried to figure out every angle, but I was actually wrong about my original hypothesis. Uncle Bill is the last of my favorites. He is very secretive, but affectionate and I saw that he really cared for Jane and his brother, enough to really talk to her about the truth of certain aspects in her life that provided her with confusion.
In my opinion I rate Jane Blond International Spy with five stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it enough to read in one day! These characters are developed and the story is original with loads of creativity! The pace is nice and fast, but not obscenely so. I actually found a wonderful rhythm and kept on trucking through the chapters with excitement. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys young adult mystery and suspense. It is a wonderful read and I look forward to reading more by these incredible authors!
October 24, 2015
Washington, D.C., is the perfect city in the United States for an international spy story. So it is a natural setting for 14-year-old Jane Blond's adventures as she slowly uncovers a plot to assassinate the President of the United States when he gives a speech at the exclusive Broxton High School she attends. Jane has an assortment of assistants, almost none of whom understands the role each plays.
One does: Jane's Uncle Bill whose connections ensure Jane has protection as her actions rile her antagonists to the point they set out to kill her, too. Uncle Bill is Jane's father's older brother who has spent much of his life helping his Jane's father out of jams. As the book opens, Jane visits her father in the minimum-security prison where he keeps the dream of being found innocent alive so that he can then sue his partners and have his fortune restored. Jane knows her mother does not want her to see her father, but keeping secrets is something Jane doesn't do well.
The most unusual of Jane's assistants is Gertrude, the family African grey parrot which has remarkable talents for imitating whatever he hears, even foreign languages. Gertrude's role requires suspension of disbelief, but she is so playful as she reacts to Jane, her mother, and others, refusing to speak on demand and then tossing in a new word when others aren't paying attention.
The authors, Brianna Schaft and Stan Schatt, introduce the reader not only to the world of intrigue where spies roam, but also to the Innuit culture through Jane's friend, Anouk, and to the remarkable world of those who have Asperger's syndrome, in addition to a group of students from Uzbekistan.
My 14-year-old-self would have wanted to be Jane’s friend. Heck, my 14-year-old-self would have wanted TO BE Jane. She lives in an exciting place. She is a loyal friend to and defender of those the in-crowd make fun of. She is a cheerleader. She is surrounded by people from foreign cultures – from Britain, from Russia, from Uzbekistan. And she has a serious enemy, Tula, also on the cheerleading squad, who drives her to defend herself and her family, bringing herself closer to each of them in the process.
One does: Jane's Uncle Bill whose connections ensure Jane has protection as her actions rile her antagonists to the point they set out to kill her, too. Uncle Bill is Jane's father's older brother who has spent much of his life helping his Jane's father out of jams. As the book opens, Jane visits her father in the minimum-security prison where he keeps the dream of being found innocent alive so that he can then sue his partners and have his fortune restored. Jane knows her mother does not want her to see her father, but keeping secrets is something Jane doesn't do well.
The most unusual of Jane's assistants is Gertrude, the family African grey parrot which has remarkable talents for imitating whatever he hears, even foreign languages. Gertrude's role requires suspension of disbelief, but she is so playful as she reacts to Jane, her mother, and others, refusing to speak on demand and then tossing in a new word when others aren't paying attention.
The authors, Brianna Schaft and Stan Schatt, introduce the reader not only to the world of intrigue where spies roam, but also to the Innuit culture through Jane's friend, Anouk, and to the remarkable world of those who have Asperger's syndrome, in addition to a group of students from Uzbekistan.
My 14-year-old-self would have wanted to be Jane’s friend. Heck, my 14-year-old-self would have wanted TO BE Jane. She lives in an exciting place. She is a loyal friend to and defender of those the in-crowd make fun of. She is a cheerleader. She is surrounded by people from foreign cultures – from Britain, from Russia, from Uzbekistan. And she has a serious enemy, Tula, also on the cheerleading squad, who drives her to defend herself and her family, bringing herself closer to each of them in the process.
October 30, 2015
Well done!
Ok, first of all --I received this book in return for an honest review. That's what this is.
The title took me a little aback---Jane Bond---high school master mind. Really!? That reaction was short-lived. Loved the book! My first reaction as I got close to the end was this would be a great Disney movie! I also did not know until I finished this book that it was written by a daughter/father team. The daughter is in high school, which I thought was pretty neat since this is about high school students. The synopsis well written by the Amazon crew, and it is a good story. I am looking forward to further stories about Jane Bond.
Besides the good story and the great synopsis above I want to share what was not said in the synopsis.
What I like about this is the diversity in the book and the kindness with which people who are different are treated. It also deals with some issues that high school students commonly experience but may not know where to go for help.
An autistic friend of Jane's helps her discover where literally a bomb has been planted by terrorists.
Jane's father is in prison, but she goes and visits him routinely. And despite this Jane is a cheerleader.
Jane's parents are divorced and her father has anger issues. There is hope by the end of the book that they will get psychological help for him.
Her best friend is a full Inuit and Jane helps her with cultural problems between her and her parents.
Her other best friend is overweight.
Although Jane goes to a private school she and some of her friends come from homes that don't have a lot of money. The private school has scholarships.
Since there's not a picture of the cover of the book--here's the Amazon link. Only 99 cents!
http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Blond-Inte...
Ok, first of all --I received this book in return for an honest review. That's what this is.
The title took me a little aback---Jane Bond---high school master mind. Really!? That reaction was short-lived. Loved the book! My first reaction as I got close to the end was this would be a great Disney movie! I also did not know until I finished this book that it was written by a daughter/father team. The daughter is in high school, which I thought was pretty neat since this is about high school students. The synopsis well written by the Amazon crew, and it is a good story. I am looking forward to further stories about Jane Bond.
Besides the good story and the great synopsis above I want to share what was not said in the synopsis.
What I like about this is the diversity in the book and the kindness with which people who are different are treated. It also deals with some issues that high school students commonly experience but may not know where to go for help.
An autistic friend of Jane's helps her discover where literally a bomb has been planted by terrorists.
Jane's father is in prison, but she goes and visits him routinely. And despite this Jane is a cheerleader.
Jane's parents are divorced and her father has anger issues. There is hope by the end of the book that they will get psychological help for him.
Her best friend is a full Inuit and Jane helps her with cultural problems between her and her parents.
Her other best friend is overweight.
Although Jane goes to a private school she and some of her friends come from homes that don't have a lot of money. The private school has scholarships.
Since there's not a picture of the cover of the book--here's the Amazon link. Only 99 cents!
http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Blond-Inte...
April 16, 2016
‘Jane Blond International Spy’ is the result of collaboration between two American authors and is suitable for a pre-teen or early teenage audience. It is a fast-paced, high-action adventure with a few twists along the way and features a fourteen year old girl, aptly named Jane Blond who appears to run rings around the intelligence services.
The story is written in the first person and pushes the credibility boundaries to the extreme. It maintains a fairly even tempo from the beginning and the descriptive passages are fairly brief but helpful in delivering a backdrop for the action.
The characters were perhaps a little two dimensional with the plot rather stereotypical in places but I think it will work for its intended target readership. The main protagonist has an eclectic band as her supporting cast and the inclusion of a highly intelligent talking parrot is an innovative additional foil.
The writing style is fluent, if a little frenetic at times and incorporates some black humour such as: ‘I never realised how boring dying could be’. In addition there are a few little gems in the dialogue: ‘I’m rubber and you’re glue; everything bounces of me and sticks to you’.
This novel is pure escapism with no hidden messages or thematic undertones. It is a very easy read and I think the writing combination of Brianna Schatt and Stan Schatt holds promise for the future.
I believe the characters needed a little more depth to enable the reader to suspend reality and become fully absorbed in their adventure but nevertheless award this novel a commendable four stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
The story is written in the first person and pushes the credibility boundaries to the extreme. It maintains a fairly even tempo from the beginning and the descriptive passages are fairly brief but helpful in delivering a backdrop for the action.
The characters were perhaps a little two dimensional with the plot rather stereotypical in places but I think it will work for its intended target readership. The main protagonist has an eclectic band as her supporting cast and the inclusion of a highly intelligent talking parrot is an innovative additional foil.
The writing style is fluent, if a little frenetic at times and incorporates some black humour such as: ‘I never realised how boring dying could be’. In addition there are a few little gems in the dialogue: ‘I’m rubber and you’re glue; everything bounces of me and sticks to you’.
This novel is pure escapism with no hidden messages or thematic undertones. It is a very easy read and I think the writing combination of Brianna Schatt and Stan Schatt holds promise for the future.
I believe the characters needed a little more depth to enable the reader to suspend reality and become fully absorbed in their adventure but nevertheless award this novel a commendable four stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
November 25, 2015
What can I say? I was originally sold on the book's title (and not just because I was raised on James Bond movies), and Jane Blond International Spy did not disappoint. The story flowed well; it kept me interested enough to read it in one sitting. There were many things about this book that I really appreciated- most notably the heroine Jane Blond. I always applaud representations of women who are strong, clever, brave, and understanding. And bonus points! Jane is a young woman. She hasn’t had much time to grow up, or ‘find herself’ by going off to college or rising to the top of her career. Not to belittle those things in any way, but it was lovely and in an unfortunate reflection of society it was also refreshing. I loved how Jane dealt with typical teenage problems as well as others that we wish were less common, because a childhood really should be just that, all while being totally BA and truly becoming worthy of the title Jane Blond International Spy. Additionally, the book touched on some heavy issues in a way that didn’t feel burdensome or emotionally exhausting. And Jane, being the awesome character she is, handles things well and best of all- she isn’t scared of self-examination, being objective when it is easier to be subjective, and being willing to change her opinions as a result.
Though my review is in response to being given a copy of the book for my honest review, I am hoping that there will be sequels in the future that I will be more than willing to purchase without even having read the blurb. I can’t wait to see what feats Jane will accomplish next!
Though my review is in response to being given a copy of the book for my honest review, I am hoping that there will be sequels in the future that I will be more than willing to purchase without even having read the blurb. I can’t wait to see what feats Jane will accomplish next!
October 20, 2015
From the very first sentence I was intrigued. This book is one that I am definitely going to be reading again some time. The story contains a boy with Asperger Syndrome, a Inuit girl, a Russian, soon to be step-father, and few terrorist Uzbeks. All of fourteen year old Jane Blond's life she's been hearing the same 'James Bond' joke over and over again. Yet she wears the name quite well.
Jane goes to a special school in Washington D.C for kids who are either borderline genius and rich kids who can afford the expensive tuition. Jane is neither of these things. She's just your average girl.
Her mother is dating a Russian man named Vladamir, who Jane doesn't resent but doesn't exactly like either. Jane's father is in jail for a crime that he claims he didn't commit.
Jane's Inuit friend, Anouk, is going though some trouble regarding her parents. Two rich Uzbeks harasses Jane daily, and she has a sarcastic, yet quite brilliant parrot.
When a boy Jane likes is kidnapped, Jane is determined to rescue him. She ends up uncovering a terrorist plot and becomes a hero.
In a way Jane ends up finding herself and what she's capable of, which is apparently quite a bit.
This book had me interested from beginning to end, it took a bit of bribing to make me put the book down. It had a few weak points but what book doesn't. I would definitely recommend it to my friends. It's a great book to read if your in a book slump.
Jane goes to a special school in Washington D.C for kids who are either borderline genius and rich kids who can afford the expensive tuition. Jane is neither of these things. She's just your average girl.
Her mother is dating a Russian man named Vladamir, who Jane doesn't resent but doesn't exactly like either. Jane's father is in jail for a crime that he claims he didn't commit.
Jane's Inuit friend, Anouk, is going though some trouble regarding her parents. Two rich Uzbeks harasses Jane daily, and she has a sarcastic, yet quite brilliant parrot.
When a boy Jane likes is kidnapped, Jane is determined to rescue him. She ends up uncovering a terrorist plot and becomes a hero.
In a way Jane ends up finding herself and what she's capable of, which is apparently quite a bit.
This book had me interested from beginning to end, it took a bit of bribing to make me put the book down. It had a few weak points but what book doesn't. I would definitely recommend it to my friends. It's a great book to read if your in a book slump.
December 1, 2015
This book is almost four star for all its quirkiness. I feel like this book would make a good series and Jane has many more adventures to come.
Jane is a teenager who attends private school in Washington, DC. Her best friend, Anouk, is Inuit; her dad is in jail and she thinks her mom's boyfriend is Russian mafia. Plus she wonders if her uncle is/was a spy. Also if you had a name like Jane Blond, you gotta take the silly jokes of the spy 007. Like all teenagers, she has a crush on one boy while another likes her; she has an enemy who makes her life miserable at school. Normal teenage life until she goes on a school field trip and is found to have come in contact with radiation. So with the help of her friend Bruce, Jane is determined to figure out how she came in contact with radiation and what is going on.
I thought this story was fun. Some of it was a little unbelievable but it was still enjoyable. The characters all had other issues and problems in their lives and I would like to get to know them more in another story or two. Jane has normal teenage issues but she also is determined to solve any problem that comes her way which can lead her into some dangerous situations. Made for a fun story that I hope continues on in more books.
Jane is a teenager who attends private school in Washington, DC. Her best friend, Anouk, is Inuit; her dad is in jail and she thinks her mom's boyfriend is Russian mafia. Plus she wonders if her uncle is/was a spy. Also if you had a name like Jane Blond, you gotta take the silly jokes of the spy 007. Like all teenagers, she has a crush on one boy while another likes her; she has an enemy who makes her life miserable at school. Normal teenage life until she goes on a school field trip and is found to have come in contact with radiation. So with the help of her friend Bruce, Jane is determined to figure out how she came in contact with radiation and what is going on.
I thought this story was fun. Some of it was a little unbelievable but it was still enjoyable. The characters all had other issues and problems in their lives and I would like to get to know them more in another story or two. Jane has normal teenage issues but she also is determined to solve any problem that comes her way which can lead her into some dangerous situations. Made for a fun story that I hope continues on in more books.
December 15, 2015
I found this book oddly surprising, it was a nice book but I felt at times it could be a little bit abrupt and not realistic. Jane Blond is this fourteen year old teenager who is having a tough time in high school until some events change her life and make her an "spy" as well as a target for an uzbek terrorist group. I was afraid I wouldn't like but I found Jane pretty relatable to people of a younger age, her voice is actually pretty honest and she is very practical. Throughout the book we are presented with a variety of diverse characters, which is obviously pleasant and refreshing since characters seem to always be the washed out next door blonde or brunette, such as Jeff, who has Asperger's, Anouk, her Inuit best friend and Bruce, a computer genius. As I said before, sometimes I thought the course of the action slightly abrupt, changing the situations the main character was in from one paragraph to the other, or even inconsistent or unrealistic, due to a few of the moments in the book, like some of the measures Jane takes. All in all, this book is a fast and easy read and would recommend to anyone who is in their early teen years and wants to get started on the YA spy and action genre.
November 17, 2015
(free copy for honest review)
This is a great story for young teen girls or YA who aren't looking for all the romance. (Wait, what? There are girls out there like that?! Pfffff!)
I was impressed when I learned Jane Blond was written by a high schooler. It's a short, fun read with an intriguing plot. It's sophisticated enough to not be predictable.
I love how Schott uses unconventional characters that help Jane solve the case. No super cute, nice, outgoing hunk to help Jane along. Nope, it's mostly a solo operation with a nudge here and there from a friend.
Overall, a wonderful jump up for middle schoolers who want a little more in their mysteries.
This is a great story for young teen girls or YA who aren't looking for all the romance. (Wait, what? There are girls out there like that?! Pfffff!)
Jane Blond. Yeah, she's heard all the jokes. Big deal. She's more worried about making the cheerleading team, coping with her mom's boyfriend and sneaking to visit her dad in prison. But maybe there's something to her name when she starts dealing with the FBI regarding some strange things happening around town.
I was impressed when I learned Jane Blond was written by a high schooler. It's a short, fun read with an intriguing plot. It's sophisticated enough to not be predictable.
I love how Schott uses unconventional characters that help Jane solve the case. No super cute, nice, outgoing hunk to help Jane along. Nope, it's mostly a solo operation with a nudge here and there from a friend.
Overall, a wonderful jump up for middle schoolers who want a little more in their mysteries.
December 16, 2015
I was provided with a copy of Jane Blond International Spy in exchange for an honest review.
Jane Blond international spy is an interesting way to introduce a young female type James Bond for the younger set. Jane has a dysfunctional family which includes a jailbird dad, a mom who’s married to someone else and not interested in Jane's dad at all and an uncle who just might be able to give James Bond himself a run for his money. You like Jane's friends, disliked the mean girls and their friends. And you root for Jane, when she find out she actually had a mission she could undertake. It had action, humor and the villains got what they deserved. Though some of the villains might get it a little later. Teens and the younger set will definitely enjoy it, so when you get a chance, check it out yourself. You may find you just might enjoy it as much they would.
Jane Blond international spy is an interesting way to introduce a young female type James Bond for the younger set. Jane has a dysfunctional family which includes a jailbird dad, a mom who’s married to someone else and not interested in Jane's dad at all and an uncle who just might be able to give James Bond himself a run for his money. You like Jane's friends, disliked the mean girls and their friends. And you root for Jane, when she find out she actually had a mission she could undertake. It had action, humor and the villains got what they deserved. Though some of the villains might get it a little later. Teens and the younger set will definitely enjoy it, so when you get a chance, check it out yourself. You may find you just might enjoy it as much they would.
December 1, 2015
Interesting story but it really felt a bit out there to me. I relate with the mother that kept wondering why a 14 year old was needed to solve so many related issues. I get that it was a spy story but it seemed more like a young teen dream fantasy than anything believable. So if you are looking for an escape, with no touch of reality, this book will be worth reading. The most realistic part of the story was the drama in her personal life. I rarely read a story that has a parent in jail. So that was an interesting touch. All this said, I did like the book. The character had some great qualities. She was a good friend, loyal and kind. She had a good heart. She was a teen I would like to know.
I did receive the book in exchange for an honest review.
I did receive the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jane lives with her mom and her mom’s Russian boyfriend. Her father is in jail for something he says he didn’t do. Jane goes to a private school for rich kids that her dad paid for before he went to jail. She is not sure if she will be able to continue after this year because her mom can’t afford it. Jane is bullied by Uzbekistanian kids every day. One of her friends get kidnapped and while trying to help him, she discovers a plan to kill the president. Now she just has to convince the FBI and CIA that she is telling the truth.
There are many twists and turns to this novel. The characters are strong, the book is well written. It is an easy read. I would recommend for action adventure fans of any age.
Jane lives with her mom and her mom’s Russian boyfriend. Her father is in jail for something he says he didn’t do. Jane goes to a private school for rich kids that her dad paid for before he went to jail. She is not sure if she will be able to continue after this year because her mom can’t afford it. Jane is bullied by Uzbekistanian kids every day. One of her friends get kidnapped and while trying to help him, she discovers a plan to kill the president. Now she just has to convince the FBI and CIA that she is telling the truth.
There are many twists and turns to this novel. The characters are strong, the book is well written. It is an easy read. I would recommend for action adventure fans of any age.
December 8, 2015
This is a very well written, clean mystery novel great for teens or anyone who loves a good mystery. Jane is a girl who takes on a lot – she not only has the normal teenage girl problems, but takes on the problems of friends and family as well. When abnormal things start to happen around her, she doesn’t sit back and watch them. She tries to solve them. And solve them she does.
The one thing I did not like about this book is too many things that happened were unbelievable. The FBI can’t solve a problem, but a teenage girl could – and most of the time by herself without the help from others. I realize it is a novel, but just wish it was a little more down to earth.
The one thing I did not like about this book is too many things that happened were unbelievable. The FBI can’t solve a problem, but a teenage girl could – and most of the time by herself without the help from others. I realize it is a novel, but just wish it was a little more down to earth.
November 18, 2015
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Angel, age 13 years
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was funny and a great action packed adventure.
My favorite character is Gertrude, the parrot, because she is funny and had me laughing hysterically! My favorite part is when Uncle Bill takes Jane to shoot because she is so brave.
REVIEW BY: Angel, age 13 years
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was funny and a great action packed adventure.
My favorite character is Gertrude, the parrot, because she is funny and had me laughing hysterically! My favorite part is when Uncle Bill takes Jane to shoot because she is so brave.
December 6, 2015
I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review. This book is a page-turner! Although the main character, Jan Blond, is a 14 year old girl in high school, readers of any age can relate to her and her friends. The plot held my interest throughout the book, and the other foil characters did not detract from the mystery at all. I hope Jane has more adventures because this could easily become a brilliant series.
October 24, 2015
An exciting fast paced suspenseful book that will have readers turning the page! Kind of a cute story in a weird way..lol Lots of guessing that will keep the reader intrigued! A great book for young readers or all readers who love a good mystery!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
April 11, 2017
This was a right mess. The plot was all over the place and the characters weren't far behind. The writing reads like a middle grade novel but I would be hesitant to let impressionable minds read blatant bullying. Jane is unlikable. The book is littered with her vitriol.
How could Mom kiss that fat turd?
I prayed no one in the restaurant recognized me because I was embarrassed by the way Bruce stuffed everything in his mouth. He was like those people who had been prisoners of war eating their first meal after being freed in a war movie. “Do you want your roll?” Bruce asked. I saw that his hand was already poised over my roll so I shook my head and watched him pounce on it.
And perhaps more concerning, adult vitriol.
“I was over at Anouk’s house,” I said. The lie came easy to my lips because I’d used it so often. “You two spend an awful lot of time together. I’m not sure what you see in her. She dresses like a homeless person.”
I heard a commotion and then Mrs. Packer came into the room. She saw Bruce, still sitting with his head down, and rushed up to him. She was a large woman, and she hugged Bruce so tightly that I thought he’d faint. I heard her talking softly, but I couldn’t make out the words. She straightened up and looked at me. “It’s all your fault. You could have gotten Bruce killed,” she said. I saw Bruce roll his eyes. “It’s not Jane’s fault. I told her I wanted to come with her,” Bruce said. Mrs. Packer ignored her son and continued to glare at me. “You have my poor son wrapped around your finger. You are not welcome anymore at our home,” she said.
The clapping didn’t drown out some hecklers. I could tell some of the parents had been drinking because their words were slurred. “Fall on your butts,” I heard one man with a large red nose shout. One woman who had an angry expression and very thin lips shouted, “If my daughters were that ugly, I’d think about a head transplant!”
Then there's gems like this.
Anouk’s a wonderful caring person and a great friend, as well as the smartest person I know; I’d do anything in the world for her, and I know she’d do the same for me. The sad truth is, though, that she just isn’t the kind of girl Bret would want to take to a concert. Then it hit me. Bret’s too shy to ask me because he’s afraid I’ll say no. He asked Anouk because he knew she’d accept. He really only asked her and Sam so he could be there with me. That made sense.
Apparently the only way anyone would ever consider her supposed friend is if they were actually only after her. I'm sure many people have these thoughts - but is it really appropriate in a middle grade novel? And even when she comes to the conclusion that maybe Bret is just not interested in her she writes him off altogether.
Why did I care if Bret wanted to take out Anouk? What did I really know about Bret? He was cute and smart, but I realized I’d never really said much besides hello to him. For all I knew, he could be really boring and self-centered. In fact, I thought, Bret was probably very self-centered. He probably thought he was better than me because he had a father with a title. How silly it must be to have people call you “Sir Roger”? I began to feel better. I felt sure now that I didn’t like Bret at all. Then I thought about poor Anouk. Bret would probably drop her as soon as he saw someone else he liked better. That would kill her. Anouk wouldn’t be able to handle the rejection. What could I do to protect my friend?
Seriously? Seriously?
Jane is kind of an asshole.
The way the adults react to danger is also appalling.
“Come in the living room quickly. You won’t believe your eyes!” I ran into the living room where I saw the TV was on. I saw attendants carrying a body to a waiting ambulance. I strained to get a better look at the figure on the stretcher because he looked familiar. “It’s Bruce,” Mom said. “I don’t understand,” I said. “Someone shot him right in front of his house as he was leaving for school. This was taped from earlier this morning,” Mom said. I stared at the screen and felt numb. It all was my fault! The email I sent him to set a trap for the terrorists had caused them to try to get rid of Bruce because he knew too much. I might as well have pulled the trigger myself. I sat in the living room’s most uncomfortable chair, put my head in my hands, and began to cry. “I have to go to the hospital. I’m responsible,” I said. Mom looked up at me, and I saw her lips tighten. “It’s one thing to do something stupid that puts you at risk. It’s another to do something that puts someone else in danger. I can’t believe you did this.” “I didn’t think it through. I never thought the terrorists would go after anyone but me,” I said. “I don’t think you will ever forgive yourself if Bruce doesn’t pull through,” Mom said.
A boy is shot. He may be dead. Your daughter thinks it's her fault and you're first instinct is to blame her too? There are lots of things I can overlook in spy novels - especially middle grade and young adult spy novels - because they're fiction. I understand when Alex Rider goes after terrorists or Cherub kids take down cults or someone like Cadel Piggott can hack into any database in the world. I even understand absent parents or uninterested parents. What I do not understand or am willing to accept is parents - adults - who purposefully go out of their way to be hurtful. The reality is they're adults. They should know better. And in this instance we're talking about a 14 year old girl. She screwed up. She knows she screwed up. You don't have to make her feel worse.
But let's face it this book has whole other issues.
I got angry because the guards treated me the same way they treated someone who looked like a terrorist. I’ve never heard of a single fourteen-year-old female terrorist.
Same way they treated someone who LOOKED like a terrorist? What way would that be? Mind you at this point she's only standing in line for security checks. Get over yourself kid. Besides security is designed to prevent violence. Sure, terrorism is a major concern but not all violence is terrorist related. Mass shootings for instance have a variety of motivations including anger and mental illnesses.
Freedom of speech is really important and I'm not saying the authors should not have written a book that expressed their views. I'm saying they shouldn't include blatant hate and distrust of foreigners in a book that is written for middle graders. Pigeonholing all terrorists as Muslim is unfair and unwarranted. And I highly doubt middle graders would be able to read such views and be able to determine that this is a generalization, not a reality.
And then there's this lovely comment.
“My ex is probably behind this as well. I probably should have slapped her harder when I had the chance so she wouldn’t tell lies about me,” Dad shouted.
Charming.
Of course Jane barely reacts - apparently she's just embarrassed by his yelling and has somewhere else to be. She doesn't even confront her mother or think about that statement at all because later when her uncle mentions that her father hit her mum and it was stated in their divorce she is surprised. But there's no proper response - like I don't know outrage? Anger that her father did that. Sadness that her mum suffered through that. Disbelief she wasn't told or she didn't know? Disgust for her dad? Something beyond "I was stunned. “Mom never said anything about Dad hitting her,” I said. No shit.
The end. No seriously. There's like two more pages and then lights out.
How could Mom kiss that fat turd?
I prayed no one in the restaurant recognized me because I was embarrassed by the way Bruce stuffed everything in his mouth. He was like those people who had been prisoners of war eating their first meal after being freed in a war movie. “Do you want your roll?” Bruce asked. I saw that his hand was already poised over my roll so I shook my head and watched him pounce on it.
And perhaps more concerning, adult vitriol.
“I was over at Anouk’s house,” I said. The lie came easy to my lips because I’d used it so often. “You two spend an awful lot of time together. I’m not sure what you see in her. She dresses like a homeless person.”
I heard a commotion and then Mrs. Packer came into the room. She saw Bruce, still sitting with his head down, and rushed up to him. She was a large woman, and she hugged Bruce so tightly that I thought he’d faint. I heard her talking softly, but I couldn’t make out the words. She straightened up and looked at me. “It’s all your fault. You could have gotten Bruce killed,” she said. I saw Bruce roll his eyes. “It’s not Jane’s fault. I told her I wanted to come with her,” Bruce said. Mrs. Packer ignored her son and continued to glare at me. “You have my poor son wrapped around your finger. You are not welcome anymore at our home,” she said.
The clapping didn’t drown out some hecklers. I could tell some of the parents had been drinking because their words were slurred. “Fall on your butts,” I heard one man with a large red nose shout. One woman who had an angry expression and very thin lips shouted, “If my daughters were that ugly, I’d think about a head transplant!”
Then there's gems like this.
Anouk’s a wonderful caring person and a great friend, as well as the smartest person I know; I’d do anything in the world for her, and I know she’d do the same for me. The sad truth is, though, that she just isn’t the kind of girl Bret would want to take to a concert. Then it hit me. Bret’s too shy to ask me because he’s afraid I’ll say no. He asked Anouk because he knew she’d accept. He really only asked her and Sam so he could be there with me. That made sense.
Apparently the only way anyone would ever consider her supposed friend is if they were actually only after her. I'm sure many people have these thoughts - but is it really appropriate in a middle grade novel? And even when she comes to the conclusion that maybe Bret is just not interested in her she writes him off altogether.
Why did I care if Bret wanted to take out Anouk? What did I really know about Bret? He was cute and smart, but I realized I’d never really said much besides hello to him. For all I knew, he could be really boring and self-centered. In fact, I thought, Bret was probably very self-centered. He probably thought he was better than me because he had a father with a title. How silly it must be to have people call you “Sir Roger”? I began to feel better. I felt sure now that I didn’t like Bret at all. Then I thought about poor Anouk. Bret would probably drop her as soon as he saw someone else he liked better. That would kill her. Anouk wouldn’t be able to handle the rejection. What could I do to protect my friend?
Seriously? Seriously?
Jane is kind of an asshole.
The way the adults react to danger is also appalling.
“Come in the living room quickly. You won’t believe your eyes!” I ran into the living room where I saw the TV was on. I saw attendants carrying a body to a waiting ambulance. I strained to get a better look at the figure on the stretcher because he looked familiar. “It’s Bruce,” Mom said. “I don’t understand,” I said. “Someone shot him right in front of his house as he was leaving for school. This was taped from earlier this morning,” Mom said. I stared at the screen and felt numb. It all was my fault! The email I sent him to set a trap for the terrorists had caused them to try to get rid of Bruce because he knew too much. I might as well have pulled the trigger myself. I sat in the living room’s most uncomfortable chair, put my head in my hands, and began to cry. “I have to go to the hospital. I’m responsible,” I said. Mom looked up at me, and I saw her lips tighten. “It’s one thing to do something stupid that puts you at risk. It’s another to do something that puts someone else in danger. I can’t believe you did this.” “I didn’t think it through. I never thought the terrorists would go after anyone but me,” I said. “I don’t think you will ever forgive yourself if Bruce doesn’t pull through,” Mom said.
A boy is shot. He may be dead. Your daughter thinks it's her fault and you're first instinct is to blame her too? There are lots of things I can overlook in spy novels - especially middle grade and young adult spy novels - because they're fiction. I understand when Alex Rider goes after terrorists or Cherub kids take down cults or someone like Cadel Piggott can hack into any database in the world. I even understand absent parents or uninterested parents. What I do not understand or am willing to accept is parents - adults - who purposefully go out of their way to be hurtful. The reality is they're adults. They should know better. And in this instance we're talking about a 14 year old girl. She screwed up. She knows she screwed up. You don't have to make her feel worse.
But let's face it this book has whole other issues.
I got angry because the guards treated me the same way they treated someone who looked like a terrorist. I’ve never heard of a single fourteen-year-old female terrorist.
Same way they treated someone who LOOKED like a terrorist? What way would that be? Mind you at this point she's only standing in line for security checks. Get over yourself kid. Besides security is designed to prevent violence. Sure, terrorism is a major concern but not all violence is terrorist related. Mass shootings for instance have a variety of motivations including anger and mental illnesses.
Freedom of speech is really important and I'm not saying the authors should not have written a book that expressed their views. I'm saying they shouldn't include blatant hate and distrust of foreigners in a book that is written for middle graders. Pigeonholing all terrorists as Muslim is unfair and unwarranted. And I highly doubt middle graders would be able to read such views and be able to determine that this is a generalization, not a reality.
And then there's this lovely comment.
“My ex is probably behind this as well. I probably should have slapped her harder when I had the chance so she wouldn’t tell lies about me,” Dad shouted.
Charming.
Of course Jane barely reacts - apparently she's just embarrassed by his yelling and has somewhere else to be. She doesn't even confront her mother or think about that statement at all because later when her uncle mentions that her father hit her mum and it was stated in their divorce she is surprised. But there's no proper response - like I don't know outrage? Anger that her father did that. Sadness that her mum suffered through that. Disbelief she wasn't told or she didn't know? Disgust for her dad? Something beyond "I was stunned. “Mom never said anything about Dad hitting her,” I said. No shit.
The end. No seriously. There's like two more pages and then lights out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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