Spy School

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade; adventure; espionage
• Originally Published: 2012
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 740L; grades 5-7
• Structure/Length: 29 chapters; approximately 320 pages; approximately 6 hours, 1 minute on audiobook
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The book follows the story of 12-year-old Benjamin Ripley, who is recruited by a secret spy agency despite his lack of physical prowess or special talents. The central conflict revolves around Ben trying to fit into this new, dangerous world; outsmart the enemy; and save the day.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence and peril consistent with spy genre; bullying

Stuart Gibbs, Author

• Bio: Born 1969; worked as a successful screenwriter before becoming an author; writes primarily for children and young adults; best known for his FunJungle and Spy School series; worked on numerous films including See Spot Run and Repli-Kate.
• Other Works: Spy Camp (2013); Spy Ski School (2016); Evil Spy School (2015); Belly Up (2010); Poached (2014)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Appearances Versus Reality
• Perseverance
• Individuality as a Strength

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Guide, students will:

• Gain an understanding of historical and scientific aspects of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and cryptography that drive the plot in the novel.
• Read paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Appearances Versus Reality, Perseverance, and Individuality as a Strength.