Also Known As

Benway, R. (2013). Also known as. New York: Walker Books.  
Quick Picks (2014 Winner)

Summary: Maggie and her parents are secret spies in an organization called The Collective that goes all around the world to solve problems. Maggie is a sixteen year old who is gifted at picking locks but has never had a case of her own until she is assigned to follow a boy in a New York private high school. Jesse, the boy who she’s assigned to, has a father who has been tipped off about the Collective spies and could possibly threaten their identities. Maggie is capable of accomplishing all types of outrageous missions but when it comes to high school, she’s clueless as to how to go about making friends or how to act. She makes friends with an unlikely outcast of a character named Roux who the reader can’t help but love. Through all of her endeavors and new experiences in high school, she remembers her mission but struggles with the desire to have a normal life as she starts to fall for Jesse, her main reason for being there. As her feelings for Jesse grew, her case also grew more intense. With the help of Jesse, Roux, her parents, and mentor Angelo, she was able to solve to case and end up with her first official love interest!

Commentary: One of the first things I noticed in this novel is the humor Maggie displays as she tells the story. She is an intriguing character who readers can relate to but also be astonished by because of the strange life she leads. She forms great relationships with many of the characters in the book starting with Roux. Although not the best choice of a friend to instantly fit in due to Roux being an outcast in her school, they learn how to be good friends together and have a comical relationship. Maggie also has a magnificent relationship with her parents. They are very supportive of all her endeavors and help her through every step of the way. Like in many young adult novels, they don’t disappear in the background because of the main characters problems; Maggie’s parents are present for all of her decisions and stand by her through many tough times. Finally, her relationship with Jesse was a bit predictable but it is always captivating to read about a girl’s first real love and relationship. The mixed emotions, feelings, and insecurities she portrays in the book are very relatable to readers of her age.

Connection: Gallagher Girl Series by Ally Carter