Spy School

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. When you think about the CIA, what comes to mind? What does the CIA stand for? What do they do?

Teaching Suggestion: The premise of the novel involves Ben entering a CIA training program. Increasing understanding of this organization may help students engage with the text. It may be helpful to provide students with access to the links below or similar resources for independent research. The class could take notes about the CIA, and then they could see how Ben’s experience is similar to or different from their research as they read the novel. Students might bring prior knowledge of this topic from books, movies, TV shows, or the news. Sharing these ideas early on could build interest and guide students to make connections as they read.

• This official website includes a short video and written overview of the CIA’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• This resource provides background information about the CIA, including how the organization got started and its purpose.
• “More About Intelligence Agencies” from the American Civil Liberties Union explains concerns about the power of spy agencies.
• In this article, which includes audio, NPR examines the CIA’s focus on Russia.

Short Activity

The main character is known for having strong cryptography skills. What is cryptography? What types of cryptographic algorithms are available? What is this technique used for?

Teaching Suggestion: It might help to begin exploring this complex topic together as a class. To spark student interest, consider studying the breakdown of the word “cryptography”: In Greek, kryptos means “hidden.” Students could list additional words that include this root word, such as “encryption” and “cryptic,” and reflect on how they are related. Discussing the importance of cryptography and what happens when people break through codes could prepare students for the ways in which this topic emerges in the novel.

• “What Is Cryptography?” defines and explains different types of cryptography. It breaks apart the word meaning and includes a video, article, and additional links.
• This resource from Fortinet discusses the importance of cryptography and explores the different types of cryptographic algorithms.

Differentiation Suggestion: Visual learners, auditory processors, and struggling readers might benefit from taking guided notes on the video included in the first resource. English language learners might find subtitles or a transcript of the video helpful, while advanced learners might take an interest in researching the history of cryptography in this article or a similar resource.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

What does it mean to be an individual? How does individuality make the world stronger?

Teaching Suggestion: Focusing on the theme of Individuality as a Strength before reading can help students understand how this theme develops from the beginning to the end of the story. Ben is not really qualified when he goes into the spy school, but he brings his own strengths and still uncovers the mole. Both resources here explore issues people face that connect to this theme. Students might list unique aspects of themselves and how each can be a strength. It might also be interesting to discuss what the world would be missing if all people were the same. This could be an opportunity for community building, celebrating the differences in the individuals in the classroom.

• This article from Teen Vogue reflects on social media and its effects on teens.
• “Teaching Kids to Respect Diversity” is an article from the Children's Health Council about how to explain differences to children and ways in which to celebrate them.