AdLit.org is a national multimedia project offering information and resources to the parents and educators of struggling adolescent readers and writers. AdLit.org is an educational initiative of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the nation's capital, and is funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York and by the Ann B. and Thomas L. Friedman Family Foundation.
Spies Like Us
Most kids go through a "spy" stage, and some never grow out of it! Whether it's the gadgets, the secret identities, or the gathering of clues — spies are cool! Don't forget the The International Spy Museum and its wonderful outreach to educators.
Secrets, Lies, Gizmos, and Spies : A History of Spies and Espionage
Age Level: 9-12
This spy history features cool gadgets and the stories of famous spies, as well as the fictional spies we know through movies and books.
Two-Minute Mysteries
Age Level: 9-12
Though this book is more for budding detectives than budding spies, it has many of the same appealing factors—listening, clue-gathering, and crime-solving. A classic that appeals to elementary-school students, this is also fun for read-alouds.
Ultimate Spy Book
Age Level: 12-14
A wealth of information and photographs makes the Ultimate Spy Book the ultimate resource for teens interested in espionage.
The Bourne Identity
Age Level: 16-18
The blockbuster Bourne Identity movies featuring Matt Damon have made Jason Bourne a household name. The bestselling books on which they are based also feature non-stop action, making this a good choice to keep older teens interested in reading.
Ark Angel
Age Level: 12-14
This book is part of the highly successful series that features Alex Rider, a British teenage spy. In this entry, Alex is weary of the dangerous spy life, but after he meets little Paul in the hospital, he is back at work.
Silverfin
Age Level: 12-14
Even super-spy James Bond was a teenager once. In this series, we meet James as a 14-year old boarding-school student, long before he became the suave jet-setter we know and love.
Harriet the Spy
Age Level: 9-12
Eleven-year-old Harriet follows her spy route every day, recording her findings (findings for her eyes only) in her notebook. When her classmates find the notebook, Harriet has to deal with the consequences. A few years ago, the movie gave this classic book new life, but it is still a timeless and charming read for older elementary readers.
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Age Level: 14-16
Cammie attends the private Gallagher Academy, a boarding school for spies in training. The only problem is that it's an all-girls school. So when she meets a boy from town, she has to put her best skills to use to see him without letting him find out her true story, or letting her Mom find out she's sneaking around. A great chick-lit meets spy story.
Spy High: Mission One
Age Level: Teen
This is the first book in a series about the private Spy High, where potential spies not only attend classes but must perform missions with real consequences. Since the school is co-ed, there’s a little bit of romance too!
