Confessions of a Junior Spy 1 by Rosaria Munda

What worked:

The Pangean Hotel is a curious setting where spies freely roam the hallways and rooms after their worldwide missions. It’s a sanctuary for them and houses the Pangean League, an ancient international association dedicated to maintaining world peace. Its spies are committed to helping people in trouble and they never use violence except in self-defense. The fraternal twins of the hotel’s Branch Director are snobby brats and they provide an annoyance for Bea, the book’s main character. Staff members provide all of the necessary services for spies ranging from clothing and equipment to medical services. Bea’s teachers range from the Interpreter for lessons in Latin and French, to learning chemistry from the Jeweler, and history and espionage from the Archivist.

While this book doesn’t tell a superhero story, it does include Bea’s new super ability. These talents are called Knacks and Bea eventually learns hers has to do with knives. Her best friend Tommy has a Knack for cleaning while her new friend Chantal has a Knack for communicating with animals. Bea’s Knack manifests itself when she needs to protect a friend and she’s overjoyed when she discovers it. If you ignore the fact that she could have seriously injured a bully. The residents and staff of the Pangean respond with praise and congratulations. Bea feels a comforting connection with the weapons and the Jeweler gifts her with a special knife bearing an inlaid, scrimshaw hilt, and tiny teeth. Bea’s mother, however, would prefer Bea use her new Knack to become a skilled surgeon or a chef, like her father.

The biggest conflict is between Bea and her mother and it concerns Bea attending a normal school. Bea doesn’t have any first-hand experience beyond the walls of the Pangean Hotel but she doesn’t want to spend her days sitting behind a schoolroom desk. Classes that don’t include self-defense or stitching up wounds don’t interest her at all. However, Bea’s mom doesn’t want her daughter to enter the dangerous world of spies like she was forced to do as a child. Her mother isn’t sharing all she knows about the spy business but she’s afraid of the dangers Bea’s new Knack might bring.

What didn’t work as well:

Chantal’s knack doesn’t work as well for a couple of reasons. First, she’s supposed to be a “normal” young girl so it doesn’t seem like she should have a special ability. Second, her knack is more supernatural than other knacks. Bea can’t do anything magical with knives other than throw them with great accuracy. The spies’ talents are based on exceptional skills and interests while Chantal's communication with animals goes beyond human capabilities.

The final verdict:

This book is certainly an appetizer for greater adventures to come. Bea’s struggle to pursue a life of spying is at center stage but the appearance of an assassin brings much excitement and suspense. I recommend you give this book a shot and I’m looking forward to its sequel.