Power Play

Gr 4–8—Abby and friends are back in this rip-roaring second installment. This time, Toby's dad has been kidnapped by a mysterious villain. Abby, Izumi, and Charlotte must help Toby complete a series of tasks in order to beat the deadline to save his father. The story meanders through various locales with lots of action, sometimes making it tricky to keep up with the chain of events. Initially, it seems like Toby's complicated relationship with his father will be explored, but that is set aside in favor of a new character with whom Toby has a troubled past. This new character feels like a throwaway bad guy, making it a little difficult to emotionally invest in the story's resolution. Readers may also struggle to relate to the very privileged lifestyle of Abby and her friends, who can call up a private jet at a moment's notice. Even with these challenges, Abby's delightfully quick and witty sense of humor and the continual excitement of the plot provide pleasant and satisfying escapism. Young readers will enjoy the quirky spy gadgets, as well as the fact that it's the kids who save the day.