Secret Agents Jack and Max Stalwart: Book 1: The Battle for the Emerald Buddha: Thailand

Jack and Max Stalwart are nine- and twelve-year-old brothers who are secret agents for the Global Protection Force. They’ve been all over the world keeping priceless treasures safe, but they’ve retired for the time being. In the meantime, they’re enjoying a family vacation in Thailand with their parents, who have no idea that their sons are secret agents. However, an agent’s work is never done, as the boys discover when the Emerald Buddha is stolen from the temple they’re visiting on their trip. Jack and Max take it upon themselves to stop the thieves before the Emerald Buddha is gone forever.

This book reads like an action movie. There are tattooed thugs, epic chase scenes, teenage lackeys, and a criminal mastermind. Heavy on action, there isn’t much plot or characterization to get caught up in, which could be a great thing for kids who don’t think they’re interested in reading. In addition to being a fast-paced little action story, there are also some great tidbits of information about Thailand, including a pronunciation guide to some common Thai words. Spy-kids-in-training will appreciate the table to create your own Caesar cipher. A thrilling little adventure book.