Brainwashed: Spy School Mystery for Crime Travelers - Book 1

With over 1,000 reviews globally, averaging a stellar 4.7 rating across three books, this series is a pure gem of middle-grade action adventure, completely suitable for younger readers—no adult themes or young adult content here. As one reviewer aptly put it, “The only thing dirty in this series is a diaper."

Described as "The Bourne Identity for kids," Crime Travelers chronicles the thrilling escapades of orphaned teens who navigate hotel life and fight crime around the globe. M. R., an editor, gave it five stars, commending the series for its dynamic narrative.

Awarded the Gertrude Warner Middle-Grade Grand Prize, the series is packed with exhilarating espionage and action, delivering a fascinating adventure that takes readers on a worldwide journey. The combination of action, adventure, and a smart dose of global awareness and humor has earned it an impressive five-star rating from ClarionRating®, alongside a Lexile® Measure of 720L and AR points from Renaissance Accelerated Reader®.

Parents, teachers, and librarians will be pleased with the geographical references and age-appropriate language tailored for children aged 9 to 14, aligning with US grades 4 to 8. Notably, this series has also achieved the status of a #1 Amazon best-seller in Children's Travel, featuring over 300 geographic references equipped with vivid maps.

Marking the thrilling launch of The Crime Travelers Adventure Series, the first book, BRAINWASHED, offers a wild and engaging start. Readers will soon be able to dive into Book 2: DIAMONDS ARE FOR NEVER and Book 3: PRICELESS.

The adventure begins with thirteen-year-old Lucas Benes, who dreams of a regular childhood; however, he sleeps on the rooftop of his father's hotel-spy school. One fateful night, he discovers a baby left alone and uncovers the shocking news that the mysterious Good Company has resumed their lucrative brainwashing operations. Throughout this gripping tale, young readers join Lucas and his team of international teen spies as they navigate the iconic sights of Paris—from the catacombs to the Eiffel Tower—in a race against time to foil a brainwashing ceremony that aims to turn spirited kids into "Good" ones.

Written by Amazon best-selling and award-winning author Paul Aertker, this series promises a captivating adventure for young readers who enjoy the works of Gordon Korman, James Patterson, and John Grisham. Foreword Reviews notes that “rooftop rappelling is just the tip of the action iceberg,” emphasizing the series' ability to address serious global issues while providing relentless thrills.

Lucas, praised for his resourcefulness, bravery, and kindness by the Head of School at GCDS, embodies the qualities that make him a role model. Educators appreciate the clever integration of math to escape perilous situations, as highlighted by a middle school math teacher.

The fast-paced storyline brims with rescues, thrilling street fights, and a host of other exhilarating encounters typical of the kid spy genre. Rich with exotic locales, BRAINWASHED sets the stage for a continually expanding series, leaving readers eager for more.

On GoodReads, the consensus is clear: BRAINWASHED expertly targets the preteen audience, following the escapades of Lucas Benes—a typical kid whose life is anything but boring. This campy travelogue weaves together adventure and discovery in a way that kids aged ten and up will surely adore.

Are you ready for an action-packed adventure? Join the Crime Travelers series and embark on a captivating journey as teenage spies combat a global crime syndicate, filled with humorous twists, mystery, and suspense. Let’s inspire the next generation of young readers to explore the world!

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