Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting sequel has superkids facing peril, finding allies.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As the Forgotten Five's quest continues, 13-year-old Seven, aka Camo Boy, finds himself in the role of THE INVISIBLE SPY, listening in unseen on a lot of villainous doings and unwelcome revelations. Especially those involving the kids' long-lost parents, who seem to be working for evil dictator President Fuerte on art heists. Now that they're in Estero City and have freed the mom of two kids, the Five also have new allies, including the mysterious Librarian and 13-year-old Lada, who walks with crutches when she's not teleporting. There's a lot of emotional turmoil as the kids confront the fact that their parents have apparently abandoned them and moved on. There's also a lot of support from one another and from unexpected allies with hidden resources -- leading up to a heartrending parting that sets the stage for Book 3.
Is It Any Good?
Friendship and family (chosen and otherwise) carry the superpowered kids through many perils in this exciting installment. The good news? Your long-lost parents aren't dead. The bad news? They've gone to work for the villain and forgotten all about you. So it seems, anyway, as the Forgotten Five face more peril in Book 2. As the kids try to foil evil President Fuerte, free their parents, and make Estero City safe for superpowered people, 13-year-old "Camo Boy" Seven becomes The Invisible Spy, blending in with the background in the villains' lair and picking up a lot of information, not all of it welcome. There's a lot of emotional conflict as the kids grapple with issues of trust and betrayal -- and make choices that set up Book 3.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Invisible Spy treats the theme of kids with unusual qualities (superpowers) that make them social outcasts and pit them against a lot of dangers. Why do you think this is such a popular storytelling theme? How do you like the way it's treated in the Forgotten Five series?
If you found that someone you loved had done something you can't accept -- but they did it to help you -- how would you feel? What would you do?
How would having a superpower complicate your life? Would it be worth it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 8, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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