Book: Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation

Here is a page-turner that reads for kids like a Brad Meltzer book should read for adults.  Really, the feel of this volume is more like a James Bond movie.  Charlie is a remarkable 12-year-old who has all the knowledge necessary and all the talent to apply that knowledge ​to accomplish a CIA mission.

From Goodreads:

From author Stuart Gibbs comes the first novel in a new series about the world’s youngest and smartest genius who’s forced to use her unbelievable code-breaking skills to outsmart Einstein.

Charlie Thorne is a genius. Charlie Thorne is a thief. Charlie Thorne isn’t old enough to drive. And now it’s up to her to save the world. Decades ago, Albert Einstein devised an equation that could benefit all life on earth—or destroy it. Fearing what would happen if the equation fell into the wrong hands, he hid it. But now, a diabolical group known as the Furies are closing in on its location. In desperation, a team of CIA agents drags Charlie into the hunt, needing her brilliance to find it first—even though this means placing her life in grave danger! ​

Don't let the nearly 400 pages keep you from getting started on this novel by bestselling author Stuart Gibbs.  This one moves fast.  It reads more like an adult novel (without the bad language and naughty bits, though there are a couple of violations to that).  There are explosions, fighting, shooting, and killing.  There are historical locations and just enough factual background to intrigue the reader more.  It makes it feel real, even when the main character is simply too good to be true.  I am especially impressed with author Stuart Gibbs's efforts to research and adequately communicate his knowledge with readers.

Charlie Thorne is a 12-year-old girl who speaks a dozen languages, has an enormous IQ, rivaling Albert Einstein.  She is the only person who can help the CIA on this particular mission.  She has questionable ethics, but leans toward saving the world.  She definitely has a chip on her shoulder, and that makes her an interesting character for a children's book.

Plus, for once, a Mark Twain nominee satisfied me with an ending that is entirely appropriate to the story.  It's not too convenient, and it's not flat.  I have three more books to read on the 2021/2 list, but so far, this one has my vote (not that my vote counts).