The Ability by M. M. Vaughn

Christopher Lane, the main character has been neglected for most of his twelve year old life. His mother hasn't been the same since his father died seven years ago. She just sits in front of the television and makes no attempt whatsoever to look after Christopher or herself. He has learned some survival skills such as thieving and lying in order to ensure that he has food to eat. The school he attends does not like him, and when the story starts he has stolen money from a teacher and she knows it. While he is being suspended, Miss Sonata from the Myers-Holt Academy shows up to interview all the students who are twelve. She quickly ascertains that Christopher is just what she is looking for and she later convinces him to have an interview, and later convinces him to join the school. He becomes part of an elite team of children whose job is to battle evil. He meets some interesting children who have strengths that are different than his but equally valuable, and he learns how to use the gift he has which is being able to get inside people's minds. The children are quickly pressed into service when twin brothers Ernest and Mortimer start causing problems.
I enjoyed the book, but will probably not remember it in sufficient details by the time book two comes out. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Christopher learning how to control his passage inside someone's brain, and the boxes or compartments that contained various things such as Fears and Phobias. This book would be enjoyable to a decent reader at an early intermediate (grade six) level.

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