Spy Runner - by Eugene Yelchin (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

In Spy Runner, a noir mystery middle grade novel from Newbery Honor author Eugene Yelchin, a boy stumbles upon a secret that jeopardizes American national security.

It's 1953 and the Cold War is on. Communism threatens all that the United States stands for, and America needs every patriot to do their part. So when a Russian boarder moves into the home of twelve-year-old Jake McCauley, he's on high alert. What does the mysterious Mr. Shubin do with all that photography equipment? And why did he choose to live so close to the Air Force base? Jake's mother says that Mr. Shubin knew Jake's dad, who went missing in action during World War II. But Jake is skeptical; the facts just don't add up. And he's determined to discover the truth--no matter what he risks.

Godwin Books

Review Quotes

"Steeped in the paranoia and propaganda of the era, the noir tale draws parallels to the current political and social climate, nationalistic prejudices, and media-disseminated misinformation. . . Well-plotted and -paced, Yelchin's thriller will be a favorite among readers who have an interest in history and intrigue." --Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Spy Runner

"The action never stops, and readers will be gripped as the narrative thunders to a satisfying conclusion." --Booklist on Spy Runner

"an escalating whirl of chases, crashes, threats, assaults, abductions, blazing gunplay, spies, and counterspies--along with revelations that hardly anyone, even Jake's mom, is what they seem." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Spy Runner

"Yelchin's grainy black and white photo illustrations cast ominous shadows and will surely draw browsers into the text." --The Bulletin on Spy Runner