Jimmy Coates: Assassin? [Paperback]

Joe Craig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Who—or what—is Jimmy Coates?

Eleven-year-old Jimmy is on the run. The good news is that he has some sweet new abilities that let him outrun, outjump, and outkick anybody—even adults. The bad news is that the mysterious organization that kidnapped Jimmy's parents is after him and he has no idea why. Except that it might have something to do with his new fighting capabilities. And the fact that he might not be entirely human. . . .

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–When strangers attempt to kidnap 11-year-old Jimmy Coates from his home, he discovers in the midst of his escape that he can break wrists with a simple squeeze of his hand and crash through second-story windows, smacking the pavement below without so much as a scrape. He soon discovers that he is a 35 percent human/65 percent robot assassin created by NJ7, a CIA-like department of the British government. On this first mission, Jimmy teams up with his kooky best friend, his sister, and an ex-NJ7 agent to rescue his parents from the clutches of the agency. This first novel is all action and reads as a more lighthearted mystery for younger readers than Anthony Horowitz's "Alex Rider" books (Philomel). Although it lacks the calculated cruelty and technical ingenuity that make that series so electrifying, Jimmy's humorous mishaps and athletic thrills will leave middle-grade boys drooling for the next installment.–Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. The first clue that Jimmy Coates isn't an ordinary 11-year-old comes when mysterious officials arrive at his house and announce, "We've come for the boy." Jimmy outruns them, helped by instincts that seem more refined than typical fight-or-flight reflexes. Soon he discovers why. He is 38 percent human and 62 percent "Earth's finest technological hardware," a genetically altered assassin created by an increasingly dictatorial British state. Called into service before his programming has fully kicked in, Jimmy now faces devastating conflicts as autocrats command him to lay waste to their political opponents . . . or else. The story feels as engineered as its bionic hero, but Craig acquits himself admirably within the paint-by-numbers structure. Readers will cheer at Jimmy's refusal to meekly accept the "organic evil" inside him, and will flinch at the creepy subterfuge behind every aspect of his upbringing. Punches are thrown and received but no deaths occur, and Jimmy's convivial ensemble of helpful adults and peers leavens the propulsive suspense. Suggest this to readers not quite ready for the darker extremes of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series. An unresolved ending augurs more to come. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: HarperTrophy (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060772654
• ISBN-13: 978-0060772659
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #861,111 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The Times of London already ranks Joe Craig alongside Anthony Horowitz and Charlie Higson as one of "the best spy-kids authors... outstanding at both writing and plotting."

Fans all over the world agree. His first book was one of the biggest selling children's book debuts of 2005 in the UK, and since then his 'Jimmy Coates' novels have become a hit with young action-thriller addicts everywhere, winning awards and inspiring 8-13 year-olds to become keen readers.

Craig (born 30 June 1981 in London) is an English writer, children's novelist and musician, best known for the Jimmy Coates series of books, described in several reviews as 'The Bourne Identity for kids'.

He studied Philosophy at Cambridge University then became a musician, composing scores for stage and TV, and songs for various pop artists.

"Joe Craig could be well justified as being compared to the great Anthony Horowitz." (Lovereading4kids.com)

"Few books have the power to drag boys away from their Xbox or Wii, but I've seen the Jimmy Coates series in action - Super Mario is no match for this schoolboy assassin." (The Independent, 50 Best Summer Reads)

Craig is consistently at the forefront of use of new media by children's writers. In 2005 he was one of the first authors to use Facebook to build a fanbase and enhance fans' experience of his writing, using character profiles as well as his personal pages to create an online world that reflected that of his books.

In 2007 he became one of the first children's writers to utilise Twitter as a means of communicating with fans and creating new stories. He continues to use both, as well as experimenting with new kinds of author videos and book trailers on video sites, such as youtube.

He lives in London with his wife and pets: a dog called Harpo and a dwarf crocodile called Professor Sven.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Run Jimmy, run!, August 11, 2005

By 

Camille "at the BookMoot!" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Jimmy Coates: Assassin? (Hardcover)

Jimmy Coates is a normal eleven year old kid with an annoying sister and parents who love him. One night the doorbell rings and a tall man with a thin tie enters their family's home and announces "We've come for the boy." His "normal" life is over. He hears his mother yell, "JIMMY RUN!" and though he is bewildered by the sudden change from mundane family life to men in dark suits chasing him, he finds he can run, jump, dodge and defend himself expertly.

The book takes off with Jimmy as he runs for his life and tries to understand his new abilities and strengths. The action is fast paced as he learns the devastating truth about secret government agencies, his family, his life and existence.

One aspect of this story that will resonate with readers is Jimmy's struggle to overcome his "programming." He does not want to become the assassin he was created to be. His refusal to succumb to his nature is admirable and reminds us that we all have choices to make in our behavior, despite our background. I think this is one of the most interesting points of the book.

Jimmy's loyalty and love for his family is strong despite his conflicted emotions. His sister Georgie is fiesty and you don't mess with her. This is a fun read with echoes of the Bourne Identity that readers will enjoy.

I am looking forward to seeing what Jimmy's next move will be.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book needs a sequel, April 14, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Jimmy Coates: Assassin? (Hardcover)

i loved this book my brother loved it my mom loved this book even my grandma loves this book. it ends in a cliffhanger so i've been waiting for a sequel. please make a suequel!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Page-Turner, July 4, 2005

By 

S Paisley (Gloucester, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jimmy Coates: Assassin? (Hardcover)

'Gripping' is the one word I would use to describe this book above all others. I couldn't put it down. I might be an adult, but this children's book had a depth and quality that should satisfy anybody after an action-packed adventure written with wit, imagination and brains!

It's set in London, and it evokes the setting brilliantly. Especially as there is a creepy, undemocratic regime in charge of this version of Britain. When they come after Jimmy, the boy hero of the story, their intentions are mysterious, but almost certainly sinister.

Imagine a book which takes all the best elements from The Bourne Identity, The Matrix, 1984, The Fugitive and the Alex Rider books (because, remember, it still suits kids perfectly - especially boys). Add that special spice which marks it out as something unique, and you have 'Jimmy Coates: Assassin?' summed up.

It's the first of a series, too. And once you've read this, you'll be locked in for the long run!

Highly recommended.