The spy-book genre is a favourite with both upper-primary and lower-secondary school readers. But what if you have someone who’s just not quite up to the challenge of Stormbreaker or Cherub at the moment, but desperate for a fast-paced action adventure? Here’s your answer: 12- year-old Zac Power, GIB agent extraordinaire. In short, it’s Alex Rider (from Stormbreaker) meets Inspector Gadget for younger readers. In Poison Island, the first book in this series, Zac has to find evil Dr Drastic’s secret lab, steal the formula for Solution X (it cures all diseases) and get it to Mission Control, and save his geeky older brother Leon. Phew! Yeah … it’s formula, but kids will enjoy it. Recommended for younger readers who will also appreciate a sprinkling of mischievous clip-art style illustrations and a friendly font size. Stay tuned for Zac’s further adventures in Deep Water.

Athina Clarke is from Readings Port Melbourne