Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls (1)

When you were twelve, did you wish your mom was cooler? Did you wish you could do something without messing it up? Were you sure the adults in your life were somehow out to get you? That's pretty much how Abby feels right before her life gets turned on end. Your kids (and you) will delight as you commiserate with Abby about her horrible, strict Chinese History teacher. You will sigh knowingly as the boy Abby likes flirts ungracefully with one of her friends. You will watch with horror as she embarrasses herself in front of the headmistress ... again! But none of that prepares you for the wild ride you and Abby will soon be taking. Buckle up!My kids both loved this book; and it was a great read for me, too. The question I keep hearing is, "When will the sequel be ready?"Thank you, Beth McMullen, for sharing Abby's adventures with us!!

As a long time children's librarian I couldn't recommend this more highly for both girls and boys in the middle school grades. Funny, exciting, great characters and clever plot lines will keep your kids reading into the night. And that's what we all want, right? Abby is one of the best new characters I have come across and hopefully there will be many more of her adventures to come. McMullen is a delightful new voice to the middle school fiction list and her light hand, humor, but powerful message of girl power is so very welcome.

Abby Hunter is a student at Smith School for Children.  But it turns out that the boarding school is not what it appears to be.  The school is actually a cover for an elite spy ring named the Center.  And Abby's mother, Jennifer, is the Center's most talented agent.  At first, Abby cannot believe her mother hid her occupation from her, but as Abby looks back on her childhood, she begins to connect the dots.For the past decade, Jennifer has been chasing the Ghost, a threatening criminal.  Mrs. Smith informs Abby that her mother is missing; therefore, they need Abby's help in finding her.  During Spy Training 101, Abby does find a friend in Toby, a fellow student who is a whiz with technology.  His iPhone apps are amazing! But frenemy Veronica is less than enthused with teaching Abby.  After a failed attempt to locate her mom, Abby decides to take matters in her own hands and show everyone that she is indeed her mother's daughter.Beth McMullan's new series is definitely one I will recommend to students.  In fact, after reading the synopsis, I have a student waiting for me to bring this book to school tomorrow. Taking place in present day, young readers will be able to relate to the characters even though the setting and plot is far different from their own lives.  Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls published in July 2017 but readers only have to wait until July 2018 for the second installment-Power Play.

Abby Hunter is my favorite new action hero! She is fearless, funny and whip-smart. She is not afraid to jump. Literally. Best of all, she relies solely on her instincts to escape every sticky situation, which makes for a super fun read. I must admit, I am already a fan of Beth McMullen's adult mystery novels, so it was not hard for me to fall in love with this new character. Ms. McMullen always brings a fantastic sense of humor and a flair for intrigue to everything she writes.

A fun read! Abby's challenges start with her unexpectedly being shipped off to boarding school, and the reader is quickly pulled into the fast-paced adventures that ensue. Abby perseveres through the troubles that the bad guys and henchfolk keep throwing her way, and learns to trust her instincts and her new friends.We zoomed through the kindle version on the plane flying cross-country, and I've purchased more copies for my middle-school-teacher sister, and my niece (who I hope doesn't read this review!)

I loved this book! Great for thrill and adventure lovers. It captured my attention and never lost it. I couldn't put it down! It seemed a little repetitive (as soon as things got better they went bad again to many times) but nevertheless it was a great book. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!

I wanted to like this book, I really did. The premise sounds fun, good reviews, strong female protagonist, etc. But I really didn't. My 11 year old daughter gave up reading it to herself only a quarter of the way in, and I gave up reading it aloud to my 8 year old daughter a little beyond half-way. It was just drudgery to read for the most part, and never really got better.I think the problem is that it just isn't particularly good writing. Things like intrigue and suspense and mystery were trying to be there, but the execution was lacking. Also, the protagonist isn't particularly engaging or sympathetic. There is the 'unknown' factor about her life and who her mom is, but much of her thoughts focus on how she likes a boy that only likes her best friend and lying to her friends so she sounds cooler.There are better books out there for middle grade girls to read.

Great Read, Fast pace and interesting storyline. My daughters and I loved it and they are between 10-14 so it’s a good middle age book!

It's an amazing book. I really love the humor and it's definitely worth. The only thing is that the pages are abit thin

Daughter loved the book.

My daughter, aged 10, started reading this book but had to stop as the content was far too graphic and scary for her.