Ruby Redfort Take Your Last Breath

Gr 5–8—What do asteroids, sharks, and buried treasure have in common? They are all part of a day's work for a Spectrum agent-in-training. As a 13-year-old secret agent, Ruby Redfort balances school, the swim team, and solving crimes and mysteries. When dolphins start showing up in the harbor, strange sounds are heard in the ocean, and cargo shipments go missing, Spectrum has Ruby all over the case. With the help of her sidekick/butler, Hitch, and her best friend, Clancy, she soon discovers that someone is after the legendary treasure out at sea. Ruby is a smart, feisty, and definitely fun character who easily pulls readers into this fast-paced mystery. There are a variety of secret codes throughout the book that readers can have a go at in the concluding section. While this is the second title in the series, it can definitely stand alone, although readers will surely want to read more about this spunky character's adventures.—Kerry Roeder, Professional Children's School, New York City