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The Big Book of Spy Stuff
<!-- .pd-img1 { left; } .pd-content1 { left;} .pd-fixedwidth { 600px;} --> Want to become a super secret spy? Kids will learn secret tricks of the intelligence trade by engaging in activities and projects that teach essential spying skills. Aspiring spies can get a head start into the world of becoming a private-eye or investigator. From chaos to counter-intelligence, secret messages to gadgets and every other spy thing in between, the
Big Book of Spy Stuff
opens the ""top secret"" file on the world of sabotage and espionage with humor and amazement.
Through King's entertaining text, kids will also uncover what lies beyond the sunglasses and disguises of some famous and not-so-famous sneaks. Kids will learn all about the history of spying, what goes into a secret agent tool kit, and how to decode a secret message. The Big Book of Spy Stuff even covers what spies should do when they run into an ethical dilemma. From fighting off tricycle-riding assassins to learning how squirrels can deliver their top-secret messages, there's never a dull moment when it comes to taking on a secret identify!
Discover essential spy skills
Through King's entertaining text, kids will also uncover what lies beyond the sunglasses and disguises of some famous and not-so-famous sneaks. Kids will learn all about the history of spying, what goes into a secret agent tool kit, and how to decode a secret message. The Big Book of Spy Stuff even covers what spies should do when they run into an ethical dilemma. From fighting off tricycle-riding assassins to learning how squirrels can deliver their top-secret messages, there's never a dull moment when it comes to taking on a secret identify!
Discover essential spy skills
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
About the author
Bart King
69 books124 followersI write funny and educational books for kids and immature adults. In 2026, two of my projects will hit shelves: FATHER HUMOR and a new Choose Your Own Adventure title that is still untitled.
Regarding my previous TIME TRAVEL INN books for CYOA, Jeff Kinney described them as being full of "mind-blowing adventure and heart-stopping thrills!", so I have that going for me.
What else? Disney-Hyperion published my funny science-fiction novel, THE DRAKE EQUATION. Reviews:
— “This novel has a lot going for it. There’s an immensely likable protagonist and his marvelous twin friends, a school life that feels true —particularly the petty weirdness of other kids— and a mystery that really engages the reader. King tosses a lot of balls in the air, keeping the twists fast and furious, but thankfully, while the protagonist is suitably overwhelmed, the reader isn’t.” San Francisco Review of Books
— "Librarians will find that young readers empathize with the young birdwatcher and his friends.... children will enjoy the school and friendship aspects of the story." Teacher Librarian Magazine
— "Noah is a strong enough character to snag interest and keep it... there's clever humor and a great central protagonist to carry readers along to the end." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
— "A clever sci-fi narrative with an enjoyable main character." Kirkus
I also wrote a Choose Your Own Adventure titled SPIES: MOE BERG, an espionage book titled THE POCKET GUIDE TO SPY STUFF, and THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES, a humorous guide to becoming a superhero, and then dealing with it.
Oregon State University Press published AN ARCHITECTURAL GUIDEBOOK TO PORTLAND. (It's medium-sized!) Finally, I taught middle school for many years. This was a wonderful experience, and I hope to recover from it soon. (I kid; it was the best job I've ever had.)
Regarding my previous TIME TRAVEL INN books for CYOA, Jeff Kinney described them as being full of "mind-blowing adventure and heart-stopping thrills!", so I have that going for me.
What else? Disney-Hyperion published my funny science-fiction novel, THE DRAKE EQUATION. Reviews:
— “This novel has a lot going for it. There’s an immensely likable protagonist and his marvelous twin friends, a school life that feels true —particularly the petty weirdness of other kids— and a mystery that really engages the reader. King tosses a lot of balls in the air, keeping the twists fast and furious, but thankfully, while the protagonist is suitably overwhelmed, the reader isn’t.” San Francisco Review of Books
— "Librarians will find that young readers empathize with the young birdwatcher and his friends.... children will enjoy the school and friendship aspects of the story." Teacher Librarian Magazine
— "Noah is a strong enough character to snag interest and keep it... there's clever humor and a great central protagonist to carry readers along to the end." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
— "A clever sci-fi narrative with an enjoyable main character." Kirkus
I also wrote a Choose Your Own Adventure titled SPIES: MOE BERG, an espionage book titled THE POCKET GUIDE TO SPY STUFF, and THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES, a humorous guide to becoming a superhero, and then dealing with it.
Oregon State University Press published AN ARCHITECTURAL GUIDEBOOK TO PORTLAND. (It's medium-sized!) Finally, I taught middle school for many years. This was a wonderful experience, and I hope to recover from it soon. (I kid; it was the best job I've ever had.)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 27, 2011
All the secrets of spying all contained in 1 book!!!
September 20, 2011
Very fun read. Written for grade schoolers (although adults especially will enjoy and learn) with an interest in espionage. :) This would be a very fun book to read and discuss with a bright 8-10 year old. It gives a good platform to discuss some ethical behavior, and also to learn a lot about our country's and other countries' spy agencies. I'd recommend reading it first, if you have children, to determine if and when would be a good time to read it together. Bart King, the author, handles tough reality decently and with a great sense of humour!
April 5, 2011
This book is AWESOME!!!!! This is by far King's best book. It is so cool.
October 30, 2012
HIlarious!!!:)
January 3, 2018
I don't know if it's still in print. Bought it used. Lots of great ideas for kids and writers.
March 25, 2018
Pretty boring actually. Has some activities but is more of a history book
October 5, 2012
Okay, I admit that I abandoned this book, but not because it's terrible. It's actually full of interesting (even useful!) information about spying, espionage and security. I gave up on it because we have the hardcover so it's hard to read while I'm doing stuff (brushing teeth, working out) and because it's kind of silly. The author puts in lots of humorous asides which probably appeal to his target audience but are a little too obvious and lame for me.
But if your kid is into spying, this is a good one. Delphine loved it.
But if your kid is into spying, this is a good one. Delphine loved it.
August 7, 2012
Meh. Picked this up in February and read it a few times. Made it about 130 pages in, then put it down and never felt inclined to pick it up again. I ADORE this cover, but the insides don't live up. Partially because the audience is a little muddled. I was hoping for some how-to information and/or some great stories. But it's more a few good stories with a lot of bad jokes. Humor befitting upper elementary, but not a lot of content that I could sell in a booktalk. Bummed. Puffy.
July 12, 2014
Interesting info but tries to be too cute
The book would be better if the author was not trying so hard to be clever. The information and anecdotes are interesting, but all the joking just detracts.
The book would be better if the author was not trying so hard to be clever. The information and anecdotes are interesting, but all the joking just detracts.
July 7, 2016
Highly entertaining for a children's book. I few times I even did laugh out loud, and it did contain plenty of information I found really interesting. It's a good book to get kids interested in reading non-fiction.
Want to Read
April 14, 2011I won this book from Goodreads giveaways and can't wait for it to arrive. Thanks Goodreads!
December 21, 2011
A fun book about spycraft for ages 8 and up, lots of tips and anecdotes about great (and not so great) spies and escapades.
April 19, 2012
This is an entertaining hodge-podge book about spies; probably best for late elementary school ages.
June 27, 2012
Very interesting
January 22, 2013
Read this with my 9 year old and 6 year old boys. They loved it, and so did I. It is full of interesting facts and stories.
July 5, 2014
Some interesting stuff. A little too jokey at times.
June 30, 2014
3.5 stars
A very funny and interesting book about secrets of spying.
A very funny and interesting book about secrets of spying.
July 3, 2014
reminded me of lapis lazuli ore. good book
July 13, 2013
Fun, a little to sarcastic or even gross at times. Overall, a good read. Learned a lot, anyway.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews