What This Book Is About
Eleven-year-old twins Kensy and Max Grey have just discovered the most extraordinary secret: their family works for Pharos, a covert international spy network dedicated to keeping the world safe. In this second adventure, the twins are settling into life at their new school in London while secretly training as junior agents. When their class takes a trip to Rome for the Christmas break, what should be a fun holiday quickly turns into something far more dangerous.
A boy has vanished without a trace, and whispers of Mafia involvement fill the air. Kensy and Max can't resist investigating, and before long they're racing through Rome's ancient streets, cracking codes, and dodging enemies far more cunning than any classroom bully. Jacqueline Harvey writes with the pace and wit of a junior James Bond thriller, packing every chapter with puzzles, plot twists, and just enough danger to keep pages turning at lightning speed. For readers who loved Spy School, this Australian bestselling series delivers the same blend of humor, action, and kid-sized espionage.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Kensy and Max is an ideal gateway to independent chapter book reading for G4 students. The spy adventure format hooks reluctant readers with action and mystery, while the 342-page length builds the reading stamina that international school curricula increasingly demand. The series format means that once students finish one book, they have six more waiting, creating months of engaged, voluntary reading.
The story also features settings across multiple countries, reflecting the internationally mobile lives of many UWC families. The twins must navigate unfamiliar cultures and languages while solving problems through teamwork and critical thinking, values that sit at the heart of UWC's educational philosophy. For students in Singapore's international school community, Kensy and Max's globe-trotting adventures feel both exciting and relatable.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The plot twists and spy vocabulary need more reading experience. Start with Magic Tree House or Junie B. Jones first.
The sweet spot. The fast-paced action carries you through unfamiliar words, and the spy codes and puzzles make reading feel like a game.
A breezy, fun read at B2. Great for pleasure reading between more demanding texts.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
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