Author
James Ponti
3 books here
Hurricane Heist
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 750L · 2025
Smart heist plotting with a Miami hurricane backdrop—kids get genuine puzzle-solving tension without graphic peril, and the ensemble cast (diverse, skill-matched) models collaboration over lone-wolf heroics.
Golden Gate
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 650L · 2021
A solid, low-stakes mystery that works well for reluctant readers who like puzzles but aren't ready for heavier YA plots.
City Spies
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 720L · 2020
Smart spy adventure that treats kids as problem-solvers rather than sidekicks; the ensemble cast and rapid plotting keep pages turning without relying on cheap scares.