78 pages 2 hours read

Stuart Gibbs

Spy School

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012

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Introduction

Teacher Introduction

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.

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