Truth, Courage, and the Tiniest Detectives: A Review of "Threat of the Spider" by Michael P. Spradlin
- Kim Bartosch
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
Historical fiction for middle grade readers is no easy feat, but Michael P. Spradlin makes it look effortless in Threat of the Spider—the second book in his Web of the Spider series. Set in Hitler’s Germany and told through the eyes of a bold and curious twelve-year-old boy, this novel is not only deeply compelling but also incredibly timely. If book one caught your attention, book two will absolutely seal the deal.
Thank you to the publisher for the book and my honest review.
About the book:
Book Title: Threat of the Spider (Web of the Spider, Book #2)
Author: Michael P. Spradlin
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: June 24, 2025
Genre: Historical Middle grade
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Synopsis:
A twelve-year-old boy searches for his father and fights for free press amid the chilling rise of Hitler’s Germany in this second book in the action-packed middle grade series Web of the Spider for fans of I Survived and A Night Divided.
Ansel has never been afraid to say what’s on his mind. He’s always the first among his friends to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. When the Hitler Youth first set up shop in Heroldsberg the year before, Ansel quickly made enemies of the chapter’s arrogant leader, Hans. Of course, Ansel is also twelve years old, so he spends much of his time reading his favorite Dirk Goodly, Boy Detective novels and trying to make his friends laugh.
But more and more of his classmates have been swayed by Hans’s tactics and the Youth organization is growing throughout the city. Ansel knows that Hans and his group are spreading false information—after all, Ansel’s father is a journalist for the local paper and has been going toe to toe with Nazi propaganda for a long time.
Then Ansel’s father goes missing right before a prominent Nazi leader comes to town. With the local police in the Nazi’s pocket, can Ansel and his friends use their detective skills to find his father and thwart the Nazi’s plans to suppress the truth?
My Review of "Threat of the Spider" by Michael P. Spradlin
Ansel is back, and this time the stakes are even higher. His father—a journalist fiercely opposed to Nazi propaganda—has vanished just as a high-ranking Nazi official rolls into town. With the Hitler Youth spreading like wildfire and classmates falling under Hans’s (the local Youth leader’s) spell, Ansel finds himself fighting for more than just his father—he’s fighting for truth, freedom, and the right to speak out. It’s fast-paced, clever, and has all the ingredients of a middle-grade thriller with meaning.
👦 Characters that Stick With You
What I really love about Spradlin’s characters is how real they feel. Ansel isn’t some one-dimensional hero. He’s sarcastic, funny, scared, determined, and flawed—all at once. His group of friends brings warmth and humor into a very heavy setting. These are kids who think like kids—but they act with courage that will inspire readers of any age. Especially poignant is how Ansel navigates fear and loyalty, even as his world becomes increasingly dangerous.
✊ Timely Themes
At its core, Threat of the Spider is about resistance—both personal and collective. Spradlin doesn’t shy away from showing how authoritarianism thrives: through lies, segregation, and the silencing of dissent. The themes of racism, censorship, and propaganda are incredibly relevant in today’s political climate. This book is a brilliant entry point for conversations with kids about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
It’s the kind of story that echoes louder the more you think about it.
🧭 A Snapshot of Nazi Germany for Young Readers
One of Spradlin’s great strengths is making historical context digestible but impactful. The setting is richly detailed without being overwhelming. From the eerie normalcy of the townspeople ignoring growing injustice, to the chilling way the Hitler Youth infiltrates school life, the backdrop feels authentic—and scary in a quiet, creeping way that makes you want to act.
💬 Final Thoughts: A Must-Read Middle Grade Novel
Threat of the Spider strikes a remarkable balance between adventure and education. It has enough action to keep kids turning the pages, and enough depth to leave them thinking long after the final chapter. Ansel’s bravery, his love for his family, and his commitment to the truth make this story both powerful and poignant.
Teachers, librarians, and parents—put this one on your radar. It’s a fantastic conversation starter and an ideal read for classrooms studying World War II, propaganda, or civil rights.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spradlin delivers a gripping, heartfelt story that feels all too relevant. Perfect for readers 10+, and highly recommended for fans of I Survived, Resistance, and A Night Divided.
Meet the Author:
Michael P. Spradlin is the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author of the Spy Goddess series, The Youngest Templar series, and the Web of the Spider series, as well as several works of historical fiction, including the Western Heritage Award–winning Off Like the Wind: The Story of the Pony Express. He currently resides in Lapeer, Michigan, with his wife, daughter, and his schnoodle, Sequoia.
Learn more at MichaelSpradlin.com.
This sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for introducing me to a new author.