Review By: Liz Geist
Published: 2021
Genre(s): YA Graphic Novel, Action, Adventure
Audience: Grades 7–10
Content Warnings: Violence
Format: Hardcover or Softcover Book
Reviewer’s Note: “On display at the library.”
Goodreads Link: The Spy Who Raised Me
Summary:
Teen Josie Black, known as J.B., begins noticing strange memory lapses that her mother dismisses as stress. When she investigates, J.B. uncovers a shocking secret—she has been unknowingly trained as a spy by her mother and a covert organization. With newfound skills in espionage, combat, and infiltration, she sets out to uncover the truth, even if it means confronting her own mother and the people who shaped her double life.
Review:
The Spy Who Raised Me has an intriguing premise that blends family drama with espionage, exploring questions of identity, control, and trust. While the central conflict between J.B. and her mother provides emotional depth, the pacing feels rushed and the plot underdeveloped. The illustrations do not always align with the tone, and character connections are limited. Despite its promising concept, the story ultimately falls short of its potential, making it a less engaging read overall.
