Staff Picks
"Where are your boy books for teens?" - Spies & Mysteries
- Thomas M.
- Friday, July 14, 2023
Collection
If you are looking for books with male protagonists across a variety of genres, then this series of booklists has plenty to recommend. This list features books about teenage spies and sleuths.
Tracker Hacker
Published in 2017
Theo Reese is just an average high school student with a passion for hockey and an uncanny talent when it comes to computers... at least on the surface. What his teammates, fellow students, and even his boyfriend don't realize is that Theo leads a double life. When he's not putting up his facade of normal, Theo is working as an agent for Tactical Operational Support, where his technical genius is more than just a hobby. At sixteen he is responsible for helping agents in the field and keeping the TOS network secure. It's a secret he has to keep-from everyone. But secrecy becomes even harder when a hacker compromises the system TOS uses to track its agents and Theo's dad goes missing. Theo must find him and stop the hacker, which means leaving the comfort of his computer screen and venturing into a very real and very deadly world. And if that's not enough to deal with, all the secrecy is really putting a strain on Theo's love life.
Recruit
Published in 2017
As the son of a British bodyguard who sacrificed his life in the line of duty, teenage kickboxing champion Connor Reeves is proud to join the ranks of a top-secret young bodyguard squad, but his first assignment, to guard the First Daughter, may test his limits.
Fledgling
Jason Steed
Published in 2010
Tormented by his mother's death... Taken for granted by his father... Trained in deadly martial arts... Jason Steed is looking for a place to call home. He finds what he's looking for in the Sea Cadets-an elite group of British youngsters being groomed for lifelong service in the military. But when a routine training exercise goes awry, Jason finds himself in the middle of a secret mission. The future of the world hangs in the balance...and Jason might be the only one who can save it.
Fledgling
Jason Steed
Published in 2010
Jason Steed, an eleven-year-old martial arts expert, is spending his summer training on a British Navy frigate when rebel forces attack, and he must find the courage to rescue a special ops team and save the world from a nuclear war.
Assassin
Published in 2014
Meet Jimmy-not your average kid, not your average assassin Some days are normal, and other days you realize you can handle more than you thought. But when Jimmy Coates wakes to find he can outrun, outjump, and outfight anyone-even the men in black suits that are after him-he knows this kind of overnight change doesn't happen to normal people. And as it turns out, Jimmy isn't normal at all. Now he's on the run from men with mysterious green stripes on their cars and helicopters. He doesn't have time to figure out who they are-or who he is. First, he's got to survive, and he's going to need every last bit of his newfound superpowers to do it.
Jimmy Coates, Assassin?
Published in 2005
While escaping from the strange men that are after him in London, Jimmy discovers he possesses many unusual talents for an eleven-year-old boy.
Little Brother
Published in 2008
After being interrogated for days by the Department of Homeland Security in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco, California, seventeen-year-old Marcus, released into what is now a police state, decides to use his expertise in computer hacking to set things right.
Little Brother
Published in 2008
Marcus, a.k.a "w1n5t0n," is only seventeen years old, but he figures he already knows how the system works?and how to work the system. Smart, fast, and wise to the ways of the networked world, he has no trouble outwitting his high school's intrusive but clumsy surveillance systems. But his whole world changes when he and his friends find themselves caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus and his crew are apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security and whisked away to a secret prison where they're mercilessly interrogated for days. When the DHS finally releases them, Marcus discovers that his city has become a police state where every citizen is treated like a potential terrorist. He knows that no one will believe his story, which leaves him only one option: to take down the DHS himself.
The Lying Woods
Published in 2018
Owen Foster is pulled from his elite New Orleans boarding school when his father's assets are seized and, back in his small town, begins to piece together his father's past despite mounting danger.
Fake ID
Published in 2014
Lamar Giles takes readers on a wild and dark ride in this contemporary Witness Protection thriller, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Harlan Coben, and John Grisham. Nick Pearson is hiding in plain sight. In fact, his name isn't really Nick Pearson. He shouldn't tell you his real name, his real hometown, or why his family just moved to Stepton, Virginia. And he definitely shouldn't tell you about his friend Eli Cruz and the major conspiracy Eli was uncovering when he died. About how Nick had to choose between solving Eli's murder with his hot sister, Reya, and "staying low-key" like the Program said to do. But he's going to tell you?unless he gets caught first. . . .
Fake ID
Published in 2014
"An African-American teen in the Witness Protection Program moves to a new town and finds himself trying to solve a murder mystery when his first friend is found dead"-- Provided by publisher.
Fake ID
Published in 2014
My name isn't really Nick Pearson.I shouldn't tell you where I'm from.I shouldn't tell you why my family moved to Stepton, Virginia.I shouldn't tell you who I really am, or my hair, eye, and skin color.And I definitely shouldn't tell you about my friend Eli Cruz and the major conspiracy Eli was about to uncover when he died--right after I moved to town...
Projekt 1065
Published in 2016
Infiltrate. Befriend. Sabotage.World War II is raging. Michael O'Shaunessey, originally from Ireland, now lives in Nazi Germany with his parents. Like the other boys in his school, Michael is a member of the Hitler Youth. But Michael has a secret. He and his parents are spies. Michael despises everything the Nazis stand for. But he joins in the Hitler Youth's horrific games and book burnings, playing the part so he can gain insider knowledge. When Michael learns about Projekt 1065, a secret Nazi war mission, things get even more complicated. He must prove his loyalty to the Hitler Youth at all costs ? even if it means risking everything he cares about. Including... his own life. From acclaimed author Alan Gratz (Prisoner B-3087) comes a pulse-pounding novel about facing fears and fighting for what matters most.
Projekt 1065
Published in 2016
Award-winning, critically acclaimed author Alan Gratz (Prisoner B-3087) returns with another gripping World War II story, this time about a spy in the Hitler Youth. It's the height of World War II. Michael O'Shaunessey, son of the Irish ambassador to Nazi Germany, lives with his family in Berlin. But Michael, like his parents, is a spy. He joins the Hitler Youth, taking part in their horrific games and book-burning, despising everything they stand for but using his insider knowledge to bring important information back to his parents and the British Secret Service. When Michael is tasked to find out more about Projekt 1065, a secret Nazi mission, things get even more complicated. He must prove his loyalty to the Hitler Youth at all costs?even if it means risking the lives of his family...and himself. Acclaimed author Alan Gratz delivers a heart-pounding, action-packed tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and survival.
Projekt 1065
A Novel of World War II
Published in 2016
Award-winning, critically acclaimed author Alan Gratz (Prisoner B-3087) returns with another gripping World War II story, this time about a spy in the Hitler Youth. It's the height of World War II. Michael O'Shaunessey, son of the Irish ambassador to Nazi Germany, lives with his family in Berlin. But Michael, like his parents, is a spy. He joins the Hitler Youth, taking part in their horrific games and book-burning, despising everything they stand for but using his insider knowledge to bring important information back to his parents and the British Secret Service. When Michael is tasked to find out more about Projekt 1065, a secret Nazi mission, things get even more complicated. He must prove his loyalty to the Hitler Youth at all costs -- even if it means risking the lives of his family... and himself. Acclaimed author Alan Gratz delivers a heart-pounding, action-packed tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and survival.
Something Wicked
A Horatio Wilkes Mystery
Published in 2008
In a contemporary story based on Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, Horatio Wilkes seeks to solve the murder of Duncan MacKae at the Scottish Highland Games in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Projekt 1065
Published in 2016
It is 1943, and thirteen-year-old Michael O'Shaunessey, son of the Irish ambassador to Nazi Germany in Berlin, is also a spy for the British Secret Service, so he has joined the Hitler Youth, and pretending that he agrees with their violence and book-burning is hard enough--but when he is asked to find out more about "Projekt 1065" both his and his parents' lives get a lot more dangerous.
Projekt 1065
A Novel of World War II
Published in 2016
It's the height of World War II. Michael O'Shaunessey, son of the Irish ambassador to Nazi Germany, lives with his family in Berlin. But Michael, like his parents, is a spy. He joins the Hitler Youth, taking part in their horrific games and book-burning, despising everything they stand for but using his insider knowledge to bring important information back to his parents and the British Secret Service. When Michael is tasked to find out more about Projekt 1065, a secret Nazi mission, things get even more complicated.
SilverFin
Published in 2010
James Bond will one day become the world's most famous spy, but at the moment his challenge is to fit in at his new school - making friends, learning the rules and facing up to bullies. Unknown to James though, there is an even tougher challenge awaiting him- something mysterious and deadly lurking in the water. Something called SilverFin.
SilverFin
[A James Bond Adventure]
Published in 2007
What does it take to become the greatest secret agent the world has ever known? In this thrilling prequel to the adventures of James Bond, 007, listeners meet a young boy whose inquisitive mind and determination set him on a path that will someday take him across the globe, in pursuit of the most dangerous criminals of all time. When we first meet young James, he's just started boarding school at Eton in the 1930s, and from there, the action moves to the Highlands of Scotland, where Alfie Kelly, a local boy, has gone missing. James teams up with the boy's cousin, Red, to investigate the mystery, and they soon discover that Alfie's disappearance is linked to a madman and his sinister plot for global power. Acclaimed British author Charlie Higson has written a brilliantly crafted tale that reveals the unknown story of a boy who grew up to become one of the most iconic figures of our time. SilverFin is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will mesmerize listeners of all ages.
Stormbreaker
Published in 2006
After the death of the uncle who had been his guardian, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is coerced to continue his uncle's dangerous work for Britain's intelligence agency, MI6.
Stormbreaker
Published in 2008
After the death of the uncle who had been his guardian, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is coerced to continue his uncle's dangerous work for Britain's intelligence agency, MI6.
Stormbreaker
Published in 2006
Ten years ago, Anthony Horowitz introduced the world to Alex Rider . . . and now his debut mission is back in a special fully loaded anniversary edition! Packed with bonus material - including a brand new Alex Rider short story, a letter from Anthony Horowitz, and much more!
The Great Greene Heist
Published in 2014
Jackson Greene has a reputation as a prankster at Maplewood Middle School, but after the last disaster he is trying to go straight--but when it looks like Keith Sinclair may steal the election for school president from Jackson's former best friend Gabriela, he assembles a team to make sure Keith does not succeed.
The Juvie Three
Published in 2008
Now in paperback, a funny young adult novel from Gordon Korman about three juvenile delinquents who have to take over their own halfway house.
I Hunt Killers
Published in 2012
Seventeen-year-old Jazz learned all about being a serial killer from his notorious "Dear Old Dad," but believes he has a conscience that will help fight his own urges and right some of his father's wrongs, so he secretly helps the police apprehend the town's newest murderer, "The Impressionist."
I Hunt Killers
Published in 2012
Jazz is a likable teenager. A charmer. But he's also the son of a (now incarcerated) infamous serial killer, and "Dear Old Dad" (as Jazz calls him) has taught Jazz everything he knows. But what Jazz doesn't know is whether or not he is destined to follow in his father's footsteps. He knows he has urges, but he also knows (hopes) that he has a conscience, that he isn't like his father, that he can follow his own path ...
I Hunt Killers
Published in 2012
Seventeen-year-old Jazz learned all about being a serial killer from his notorious "Dear Old Dad," but believes he has a conscience that will help fight his own urges and right some of his father's wrongs, so he secretly helps the police apprehend the town's newest murderer, "The Impressionist."
I Hunt Killers
Published in 2012
Seventeen-year-old Jazz learned all about being a serial killer from his notorious "Dear Old Dad," but believes he has a conscience that will help fight his own urges and right some of his father's wrongs, so he secretly helps the police apprehend the town's newest murderer, "The Impressionist."
The Cherub. Mission 1, The Recruit
Published in 2010
James is recruited into CHERUB, a secret division of MI5 which consists of teenage spies. He successfully completes his training and goes on his first mission.
Ali Cross
Published in 2019
James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross series has sold over 100 million copies?and now he's bringing those thrills to a new generation! Alex 's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery? Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?When Ali's best friend Abraham is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood?-and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy?-especially when your father warns you not to get involved!?-and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Abraham's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?
Ali Cross
Published in 2019
James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross series has sold over 100 million copies?and now he's bringing those thrills to a new generation! Alex 's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery? Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve? When Ali's best friend Abraham is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood?-and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy?-especially when your father warns you not to get involved!?-and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Abraham's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?
Ali Cross
Published in 2019
When his best friend Abraham is reported missing, Ali Cross sets out to find him, but he soon learns that being a kid sleuth isn't easy and clues aren't always what they seem.
Independence Hall
Published in 2008
Thirteen-year-old Q and fifteen-year-old Angela expect their lives to become complicated when his mother and her father, wildly popular musicians, marry, but not that they will face spies and terrorists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Independence Hall
Published in 2008
Thirteen-year-old Q and fifteen-year-old Angela expect their lives to become complicated when his mother and her father, wildly popular musicians, marry, but not that they will face spies and terrorists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Independence Hall
Published in 2009
Thirteen-year-old Quest (Q) isn't sure he's ready for a new family. For a long time it's just been him and his mom, Blaze. But everything changes when Blaze falls in love with Roger and they start a new rock band called Match. Now they're married, have a hit record, and Match is going out on a year-long driving tour across the country. Q, along with new stepsister Angela, will take a year off from school and travel with the band. For now, home will be a luxury motor coach and homework will be a Web site diary of their travels. Perfect-Q can practice his magic tricks and Angela can read her spy novels. What can go wrong? As Q and Angela settle into their new life and new relationship as siblings, they start to notice that certain coincidences don't seem coincidental. For example, how does a band roadie named Boone find them in the middle of a desert where their coach just happens to break down? Why does a man from their parents' wedding keep showing up in the same cities they stop at? When they reach Philadelphia, Q and Angela realize this tour is definitely not the trip their parents had planned and that the 'City of Brotherly Love' is full of mysteries and secrets that could threaten their new life together.
Boy Nobody
Published in 2013
Sixteen-year-old Boy Nobody, an assassin controlled by a shadowy government organization, The Program, considers sabotaging his latest mission because his target reminds him of the normal life he craves.
Boy Nobody
Published in 2013
They needed the perfect soldier: one who could function in every situation without fear, sympathy or anger; who could assassinate strangers and then walk away emotionally unscathed. So they made Boy Nobody-a teen with no name or history. The perfect soldier. Boy Nobody is the perennial new kid in school, the one few notice and nobody thinks much about. He shows up in a new high school, in a new town, under a new name, makes few friends and doesn't stay long. Just long enough for someone in his new friend's family to die -- of "natural causes." Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, and moves on to the next target. But when he's assigned to the mayor of New York City, things change. The daughter seems so much like him; the mayor smells like his father. And when memories and questions surface, the Program is watching. Because somewhere, deep inside Boy Nobody, is somebody: the kid he once was, the teen who wants normal things like a real home and parents, a young man who wants out. And who just might want those things badly enough to sabotage The Program's mission.