How to Read Becky Powell's Books: The Recommended Reading Path
Becky Powell’s bibliography spans two completely different genres: deeply personal, faith-driven non-fiction for adults and action-filled middle-grade spy adventures for children. Because these two categories serve entirely different audiences, there is no single chronological path through her books. Instead, your starting point depends entirely on what kind of story you are looking for.
If you are an adult reader seeking inspiration, resilience, and a testament to faith through life's darkest moments, you should start immediately with her memoir, Awful Beautiful Life. If you are looking for a lighthearted, family-friendly mystery filled with life lessons, team spirit, and martial arts values, you should dive straight into the Max Williams Adventure series, beginning with the first book, My Neighbor, the Spy.
The Max Williams Adventure Series
Published under the name Becky Black Powell, this middle-grade series is designed for younger readers but offers plenty of humor and heart for all ages. Inspired by her own son's training in Aikido, Powell created a series that blends the physical discipline of martial arts with themes of community support, integrity, and trust.
1. My Neighbor, the Spy (2014)
In this series opener, we meet Max Williams, an incredibly bright and observant young boy who dreams of one day joining the CIA. Armed with a team of fellow spies-in-training, Max becomes convinced that his elderly neighbor, Mrs. W, is an enemy agent working against the country. Max sets up a surveillance operation to catch her in the act, hoping to impress real government authorities. However, his investigations go awry, landing Max and his friends in real danger. Along the way, Max learns important truths about his neighbor, who also happens to be a skilled Aikido sensei.
2. My Sister, the Traitor (2015)
The sequel picks up with Max facing a very different kind of threat. Mrs. W's nephew, Axel, is smart, athletic, popular, and excellent at Aikido—and to Max's horror, Axel starts dating Max's sister, Belinda. Viewing Axel as a rival and a threat to his family, Max attempts to sabotage Axel's reputation. The plan backfires, dragging Max into a dangerous encounter with a local crime boss named Hinky. When Axel is framed for arson, Max must put aside his jealousy and work alongside his rival to clear Axel's name before it is too late.
Non-Fiction and Memoirs: Rebuilding After Tragedy
For adult readers, Becky Powell's most famous and impactful work is her memoir, written in collaboration with bestselling novelist Katherine Reay. This book details a harrowing real-life crisis and the journey of faith that followed.
Awful Beautiful Life: When God Shows Up in the Midst of Tragedy (2019)
Co-authored with Katherine Reay, this non-fiction book recounts the sudden, devastating events that began for Becky Powell on May 16, 2013. On that morning, her husband of 25 years, Mark, called to tell her he had done something terrible before taking his own life. In the aftermath, Becky discovered that Mark had quietly embezzled millions of dollars from their closest friends, neighbors, and colleagues over several years. Left with massive debt, facing investigations by the FBI, SEC, and DOJ, and living under intense public scrutiny in Austin, Texas, Becky had to raise her three children and rebuild her life. The memoir details her unwavering commitment to repaying the creditors—defying standard legal advice—and how faith, family, and a supportive community guided her through the darkest times.
Practical Reading Advice and Starting Points
Here is how to get the most out of Becky Powell's works:
- For Younger Readers: Read the Max Williams Adventure series in publication order (starting with My Neighbor, the Spy followed by My Sister, the Traitor). The character relationships, Max's personal growth, and his evolving relationship with Mrs. W develop sequentially across the two books.
- For Book Clubs and Memoir Readers: Start with Awful Beautiful Life. It is a standalone non-fiction read that provides excellent material for discussions on grief, forgiveness, financial betrayal, and faith.
- Understanding the Authorship Names: When searching online or in libraries, note that the children's books are often cataloged under Becky Black Powell, while the memoir is listed under Becky Powell (with Katherine Reay).
What to Know Before You Start
Readers should prepare for two very different tones depending on which book they pick up. The Max Williams books are fast-paced, humorous, and focused on childhood friendships and active adventures. On the other hand, Awful Beautiful Life deals with heavy, mature themes including suicide, betrayal, financial ruin, and the emotional toll of public scandal. However, both project the same core message that defines Powell's perspective on life: the power of resilience, the strength found in community, and finding hope in unexpected places.