James Ponti writes the kind of books that make young readers feel like they’re in on the secret—that the world is full of puzzles, hidden missions, and brilliant kids just waiting to take the lead. With his knack for weaving mystery, humor, and heart into every chapter, Ponti has carved out a special space in middle-grade fiction—one where intelligence is celebrated and friendship is just as powerful as bravery.

Long before he was writing about young spies and sleuths, Ponti was crafting stories behind the scenes of TV shows. A former screenwriter and producer, he developed his storytelling instincts in the world of children’s television, learning the rhythm of a good joke, the importance of pacing, and how to keep a young audience hooked. That training grounds his novels in a cinematic energy—quick-witted dialogue, cliffhangers in just the right places, and characters that feel like real kids, not just plot devices.

City Spies

There’s something thrilling about watching a team come together—not just any team, but one made up of kids from around the world, each with a secret past and a very particular set of skills. City Spies taps into that energy with precision, turning the idea of elite espionage on its head and handing the mission over to the most unlikely agents: teenagers.