Careful What You Hear (Do You Hear What I Hear 2?) by Helen Dunlap Newton

What worked:

Noah and Lena are sent to Space Camp in Alabama to have a fun, relaxing vacation. However, they both assume it’s going to turn into a mission even though their undercover chaperones insist it won’t. Noah reminds readers of this doubt in almost every chapter until the inevitable happens. The relationship between the kids is a highlight as they tease, support, anger, and care for each other. Lean is extremely intelligent and she has a near-perfect memory. She jumps at the opportunity to point out Noah’s weak areas but then turns around and offers praise when he does things right. Noah tries to kid around with her but Lena doesn’t like being the target of jokes. They have an epic chess match that complicates their relationship.

Readers can still enjoy this book even if they haven’t read the first one in the series, like me. The important things to know are Noah’s cochlear implant allows him to hear others’ thoughts, Noah and Lena go on secret missions for the government, and last time they were captured by a red-headed woman and a man smoking brown cigarettes. Noah thinks he sees them wherever he goes but wonders if it’s just his imagination. Then, Noah bumps into a man touring with a group of teachers from Iowa and his fun trip to Space Camp takes an unexpected turn.

The story shares space-related activities at Space Camp as Noah and Lena pursue their own interests. Lena wants to learn all she can about computers and technology while Noah enjoys tasks that potential astronauts might perform. However, Noah’s cochlear implant presents logistical problems so he’s upset when he can’t do all of the activities. On the other hand, he excels at flying simulations and makes friends with another equally talented camper.  Meeting a Blue Angel pilot is a highlight for Noah while Lena is more excited about the prospect of building her own computer.

What didn’t work as well:

The major conflict involves spies and a military base but the plot isn’t fully satisfying. Noah and Lena are involved with collecting information but they’re not really included in the actual operation. We still don’t know exactly how things work out even at the end of the book. Also, the usage of the term “jinx” is way overdone and becomes a small distraction.

The final verdict:

The kids are protected by removing them from direct involvement in the mission but it leaves readers feeling detached from the action. The concept of using Noah’s cochlear implant as a spying device is unique but the story misses opportunities to make it more exciting and suspenseful. Overall, the team of Noah and Lena is fun to follow and you should this book a shot.