Ben is unofficially activated to help save the President's life. Unfortunately it looks like the opposite may happen with Ben on the job. Fortunately Erica unofficially steps in to help. It takes Ben a while to figure out what SPYDER is up to but when he does only his friends believe him (and that included Erica.) It is up to the school-aged spies to save the day.

I love this series. Cyrus is a jerk. Ben finally gets the truth from Erica. It is a fun romp through the nation's capital and the White House. Lots of secrets abound ( )

Little spies, spy want-to-bes, and simply those who love a great adventure are sure to love this exciting tale.

Ben's dream is to become a super spy, and he's on his best way to achieve that goal. Although he's only in spy school, he's already helped to thwart the evil SPYDER groups plans once. Now, SPYDER plans to assassinate the president of the US, and it's Ben's job to stop them. Too bad, things aren't that easy.

This is a spy book perfect for kids ages eight to twelve. Ben is a super spy, but he's still normal enough for readers to relate to and understand. He isn't a super fighter—in fact, he's rather clumsy. And super gadgets or ultra amazing gear aren't really involved. But Ben's got brains and a knack for math. Combine this with a group of friends he can count on, and even an evil group like SPYDER has got to watch their backs.

The opening scene grabs right away and draws into the characters without going over the top. It starts at school, a very familiar setting, but drops in tidbits like bomb exercises and secretly placed listening devices, which unleash the fantastical world of super spies as well. Each characters' personality comes off smoothly and believable. It easy to see them sitting at the neighboring table in a cafeteria, and still, at the same time, to dive into a spy adventure with all of the action and thrills.

Quick paced is key in these pages as well as the carefully laid layers of intrigue. There are spies everywhere, and it's hard to determine who the moles might be. As the action really gets going, Ben isn't alone but has friends to help out. There are humorous moments, tense moments and tons of surprises. And all of this stays at a level just right for the intended age group.

Summed up, this is a fun read middle grade audiences are sure to love. ( )