I love books with surprises, especially books that balance the fun. I had picked up this book for my younger brother, but then started reading to remind myself that reading is fun, as is a story. Codename Zero starts as a tongue-in-cheek sendup of spy novels, when a twelve-year old prankster in North Dakota gets handed a package by a secret agent, and told not to open it. Of course Carson does, and adventure ensues, James Bond style. Overall the book has a sense of fun, adventure, and brains for once. Carson demonstrates that the brains he used for pranks can be used for carrying out a high-risk spy mission, and he's able to demonstrate adequate performance with mundane gadgets. Gotta say that I like Carson's line of thinking, which could put Robin's to shame, and how he ends up using his best friend's conspiracy theories to reason the true conspiracy in his North Darkota style.On that note, Dillon is a really good reason to read this book because of said theories. They can't be missed; neither can Carson's pranks. My two points of contention involve the story's tone and characterization. I understand what Rylander was going for with tone, to balance the lighthearted and suspenseful moments, but at times it feels that the two do not mix together, much like the kidney bean ice cream referred to in this book. I hope that book two handles the tone better, so that I know exactly when to laugh and when to grip the pages. Second, I wish that he had chosen an actual nationality for Olek, the MacGuffin Boy (see TvTropes for more information) that becomes a crucial part of Carson's mission. Olek exists to be a nice kid who messes up American phrases on a regular basis and serve as Carson's motivation to do good. Given that there are real teenagers in foreign countries that end up in trouble for doing the right thing, like Malala, it may have been better to do the research by that. Other than that, however, I recommend this story. A fun read, and a good start to 2015. Life is boring in North Dakota where seventh grader Carson Fender executes pranks to break up the monotony. During a prank involving escaped goats running loose on the school’s yard and lots of Superglue Carson is handed a package by a man with the instruction to deliver only to Jenson and not to open under any circumstance. This creates two huge problems as there are two Jensons teaching at his school and what exactly is in the package. A great choice for reading aloud or for reluctant readers filled with non-stop action and humor.
What do You think about Codename Zero (2014)?
Codename Zero is an action-packed and suspenseful novel perfect for middle grade readers.
—Chels
very funny. good action with a twist. can't wait for the next one
—Hennry
