Spy Runner

Written & illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

A boy uncovers a secret threatening national security during the Cold War.

3.5/5 Goodreads · 394 ratings

352 pages

$21.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1953, young Jake McCauley is suspicious of the Russian boarder, Mr. Shubin, who moves into his home. With the Cold War's tension rising, Jake questions Shubin's motives and his connection to Jake's missing father. Armed with curiosity and courage, Jake embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth, risking everything to protect his country. What secrets lie behind Shubin's photography equipment, and why is he so close to the Air Force base? As Jake delves deeper, he must decide how far he's willing to go to unravel the mystery and safeguard national security.

From the publisher

In Spy Runner, a noir mystery middle grade novel from Newbery Honor author Eugene Yelchin, a boy stumbles upon a secret that jeopardizes American national security. It’s 1953 and the Cold War is on. Communism threatens all that the United States stands for, and America needs every patriot to do their part. So when a Russian boarder moves into the home of twelve-year-old Jake McCauley, he’s on high alert. What does the mysterious Mr. Shubin do with all that photography equipment? And why did he choose to live so close to the Air Force base? Jake’s mother says that Mr. Shubin knew Jake’s dad, who went missing in action during World War II. But Jake is skeptical; the facts just don’t add up. And he’s determined to discover the truth–no matter what he risks. Godwin Books

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