Code Red

Code Red is a middle-grade action and mystery novel written for readers ages 9-14 by Camila Santos and Audrey Ortiz, both 12-year-old authors. The story follows fifteen-year-old Livia Pierce, also known as Agent V, a highly trained operative raised within a secret organization that values discipline, obedience, and precision. Living a carefully controlled double life, Livia has been taught to follow rules without question.

When a young child goes missing in New York City, Livia is assigned to a new partner and sent on a mission that quickly escalates into a dangerous race against time. As the investigation unfolds, Livia encounters unexpected obstacles, shifting loyalties, and moments that challenge both her training and her judgment. The mission forces her to confront difficult questions about trust, responsibility, and the consequences of blind obedience.

Written with short chapters and fast pacing, Code Red is accessible to a wide range of readers, including reluctant readers. The novel balances suspenseful action with thoughtful themes of courage, identity, teamwork, and personal choice. Content is age-appropriate, with no graphic violence or mature subject matter.

Ideal for upper-elementary and middle-school collections, Code Red supports independent reading while encouraging discussion about ethics, leadership, and making principled decisions under pressure.