Spy Skills

Children's Literature - Katie DeWald

Do you have what it takes to be a spy? Readers will learn about the methods and gadgets spies use to collect intelligence. This book of the "Spies" series describes the worldwide agencies which collect intelligence as well as spy surveillance techniques, spy networks, informants, and how spies are recruited. One chapter is devoted to undercover operations and ways in which spies secretly send information. The fourth and final chapter details the inner workings of double agents, sleepers, and moles. Quirky modern borders and graphics draw attention to the text and add interest to the book. Vocabulary words are highlighted with green file folder tabs at the bottom of a page of text and are also included in the glossary. Additional information under the headings "Spy Files" and "Spy Facts" appears in text boxes throughout the book and clarifies the topic at hand or tells a related spy story. Real pictures of spies from history serve to capture the attention of the reader. A helpful table of contents and index add to the book's ease of use, while readers can find out more about spies by referencing the more information section and list of internet sites. Martin cleverly and interestingly reveals the spy world to young readers while keeping the text simple and manageable for his audience. Readers may look more closely at those they meet on the street or take a second look at a button after reading about the spy secrets described in this book. Reviewer: Katie DeWald