Author Robert Muchamore
First published 2004
Publisher Hodder
James is a bit of a troublemaker but he might have the skills to make him a brilliant CHERUB agent.
Story
The novel follows the recruitment of James (a troubled 11-year-old who is expelled from school) to a division of the British Secret Service code named CHERUB.
Why we chose it
A gripping teenage spy story that is the first in a hugely popular series.
Where it came from
Muchamore was inspired to write the CHERUB books when his 12-year-old nephew complained about the lack of good books for his age group.
Where it went next
It has been adapted into a graphic novel and an audio book read by Julian Rhind-Tutt. The Recruit won a number of awards including the Red House Book Award 2005
Associated stories
The first series of 12 novels follows James from recruitment to his retirement from CHERUB age 17. Muchamore went on to write a second series of novels, Aramov which follow another agent of CHERUB.
Author Robert Muchamore
First published 2004
Publisher Hodder