Fans of international spy thrillers will not be disappointed by Marti Leimbach’s “Dragonfly Girl”. Kira is the epitome of a misfit, nerdy teenager, barely passing high school, except for when it comes to science. Living with her cancer stricken mom, and deeply in debt to a loan shark, she enters a prestigious science contest for the cash prize and ends up as one of the four winners, with an all expense paid trip to Sweden. The only kicker is the contest was meant only for professional PhDs. She goes to Sweden anyway to present her paper and collect the money, but when a rival young scientist with a grudge bitterly reveals that she is only in high school, she fears all is lost. However she is offered a job in a top secret laboratory by a prestigious professor who knew her brillant, but dead father. Soon after starting work, she begins helping out another scientist on an experiment that eventually leads her to bring a rat back from the dead. Now considered a scientific genius, she is thrust into the world of very dark international Cold War type dealings, and ends up fighting for her own life, far from friends and family.

This book is fast paced and exciting with plot twists throughout. Kira must decide who she can trust, while following her instincts to survive. The reader is introduced to plenty of villains, yet Kira does have a few good friends in her corner. She is a likable character, and one can’t help but root for her. There is an abundance of scientific dialogue throughout the book, but it’s written so it is easy to understand and it doesn’t slow down the action. Anyone who likes James Bond or Jason Bourne type spy thrillers will love “Dragonfly Girl”.

Recommended for grades 8-12

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York