Moving Target

Set in present-day Rome, Gonzalez’s (A Thunderous Whisper) thriller hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. Eighth-grader Cassie Arroyo is unceremoniously whisked out of school one afternoon by her father, a “mild-mannered art historian,” who tells her that a secret organization called the Hastati is after her. He instructs Cassie to find a man named Brother Gregorio—and is promptly shot and wounded. After escaping to the monastery where Brother Gregorio lives with his nephew, Asher, Cassie’s questions are slowly answered. For centuries, the Hastati has guarded the mythical Spear of Destiny, which purportedly can shape world events when paired with a descendent of St. Longinus—like Cassie. Cassie, Asher, and her best friend Simone set off to find the spear, following clues that lead to more answers, questions, and peril. Gonzalez’s characters can be a bit one-dimensional, but the story’s shocking twists and juicy mix of history and legend, as well as a cliffhanger ending, should be more than enough to keep readers eager for Cassie’s next adventure. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Aug.)