Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Captivating adventures of globe-trotting, crime-solving boy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In the SECRET AGENT JACK STALWART series, 9-year-old Jack is a member of the Global Protection Force (GPF), solving thrilling international crimes, flying through time and space, using an absurd number of gadgets in his spy backpack and always getting home one minute after he left his room via a portal in the map on his wall. His older brother, Max, is also a member of the GPF, and Jack is trying to find him without letting his parents know Max is missing and not living at a Swiss boarding school. Jack uses his brother as inspiration to get out of tough situations -- like when he's chased through Times Square by a dinosaur recreated from the DNA in a stolen leg bone -- and friendly with everyone he meets.
Is It Any Good?
The premise is pure fantasy, and it is great fun to read. Jack gets stuck underwater in a swarm of jellyfish and sharks? No problem. He uses a rebreather, shoots a dart filled with blood to distract the sharks, and summons his underwater transport vehicle. Problem solved and he's off to save a hostage. The outcome of each story and Jack's safe return is never in doubt; the delight is in getting there, and the Secret Agent Jack Stalwart Series is captivating page-turners for readers new to longer chapter books.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the gadgets in Secret Agent Jack Stalwart: Are they realistic, and do any exist today?
Jack is in danger in every adventure; which usually helps him out of a jam more, his brains or his gadgets?
What other books have kids going on dangerous adventures?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Brian Williamson
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Weinstein Books
- Publication date : September 4, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 110
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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