HOMELAND INSECURITY

In Warner’s YA novel, a series opener, capable teens face off against terrorists.

Kansas high-school freshman Jack Straw dreams of becoming a spy. The same goes for his karate-skilled trio of best friends (Philomela “Phil” Nightingale, Peter Rochelle, and Collin Jensen), who all know how to take care of themselves. But they look out for others as well, like a meek schoolmate whom a bully targets. So when Jack learns his sister’s best friend, Kelly—an Afghan refugee—is in trouble, his instinct is to protect her. A terrorist cell, after Kelly’s family for allegedly leaking Al Qaeda names, may be planning to sneak into the United States for revenge. Jack makes it his mission to ensure Kelly’s safety and hands out assignments to his pals (Peter is tasked with befriending a girl whose thuggish brothers may have details on anything “a bit sketchy”). When the terrorists finally show up, it won’t just be Kelly’s family in peril but Jack, his friends, and their families, too. Warner assembles a dynamic young cast; Collin is the youngest and smartest (taking senior-level classes), while Phil, the sole female in Jack’s clique, is arguably the toughest one. (Simple, black-and-white illustrations provide profile pics of the teen leads.) This taut, fast-paced narrative is surprisingly somber, and not just due to the serious fights that the teens get caught up in. They’re also prone to anger in a variety of circumstances, as when Collin intimidates Phil’s ex without knowing any specifics about their breakup. While the friends land in more than one precarious spot, they don’t find many opportunities for espionage, as much of their time is spent keeping loved ones out of harm’s way. Nevertheless, Jack and his crew have the makings of exemplary secret agents—they’re whip-smart, plucky, compassionate, and most assuredly able to carry a series.

A bright young cast of aspiring spies elevates this measured thriller.