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The Boy and the Spy
Life has never been easy for Antonio, but since the war began there are German soldiers on every corner, fearsome gangsters and the fascist police everywhere, and no one ever has enough to eat. But when Antonio decides to trust a man who has literally fallen from the sky, he leaps into an adventure that will change his life and maybe even the future of Sicily…
161 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2017
5 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Felice Arena
124 books27 followersPopular and prolific Australian children’s author Felice Arena is the creator of many best-selling and award-winning children's books for all ages. Some of these include the acclaimed middle-grade historical novels The Boy and the Spy, Fearless Frederic, A Great Escape, and The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan – the bestselling Specky Magee series, the junior series' Sporty Kids and The Besties, and the joyous read-aloud picture books Pasta!, Cheese! and most recently My Big Secret - also illustrated by Arena.
www.felicearena.com Instagram.com/felicearenabooks
www.felicearena.com Instagram.com/felicearenabooks
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 6, 2017
Suitable for Years 5 - 7 students, The boy and the spy has a fast-paced, relatively uncomplicated plot line which is satisfying for the tween reader. Adult readers will have to put aside disbelief at a few points - the spy proclaiming his mission to a boy, and later returning to take the boy back to America. The story finishes a little too neatly with a big time and plot jump before the last chapter. The story's strength lies in giving us a different picture of the war, this time set in Italy. The first chapter, too, is a great example of a beginning which plunges us into the action and leaves us on a cliffhanger, eager to read the second chapter. Great for reluctant readers.
January 13, 2023
I'm totally intrigued with spies. Who isn't?! 😂
The Boy and the Spy I'd suggest for kids who enjoy action packed, page turners, historical fiction. This book takes place in Sicily, Italy during WW2. An orphaned boy takes risks, befriends an American spy Chris, gets injured, hides, escapes, steals (the reader hears his thought process and he does feel guilty), is hungry, makes friends, rides a bike through the night, narrowly escapes (he escapes things several times) and is involved in numerous close calls.
I'd suggest this one for children who are probably 5th grade through middle school (and me!).
The Boy and the Spy I'd suggest for kids who enjoy action packed, page turners, historical fiction. This book takes place in Sicily, Italy during WW2. An orphaned boy takes risks, befriends an American spy Chris, gets injured, hides, escapes, steals (the reader hears his thought process and he does feel guilty), is hungry, makes friends, rides a bike through the night, narrowly escapes (he escapes things several times) and is involved in numerous close calls.
I'd suggest this one for children who are probably 5th grade through middle school (and me!).
July 22, 2023
Perfect for kids mid-elementary kids to read independently, this is an action-packed story about espionage in Italy in World War 2. It’s great for kids who may prefer informational text because the history is so interesting. I really enjoyed it and will be having my son read it later this year.
November 20, 2017
There's a lot to like with this book. Interesting location, different war-time scenario and lots of exciting, tense scenes.
March 16, 2025
What a book I absolutely loved reading this book and as I have read many historical fictions this one was way different to all the other historical fictions that I’ve read mainly because the main character in the book is on the enemy side in ww2 as he is Italian. This is one the best storyline’s of a historical fictions that I’ve read as there is betrayals leavings and lots more and this book made me intrigued the whole time I read it and the concept of there being an American spy who has ended up washing ashore in Sicily Italy and has been spotted by a young Italian orphan boy is willing to secretly help him by drawing a map of where the boy lives and secretly giving him food from his mother who adopted him just to help the spy and in the end after leaving him behind while Sicily was being bombed and invaded by the allied forces coming back for him after his mother died and he had no family and taking him back home to America with him. That is amazing. Highly recommend to read this book asap and trust me it will become your next favourite book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
February 26, 2022
Book 12: The boy and the spy
This was part of my @secretbookstuff bundle - thanks again Laura and Amy!
This story is about a brave, stigmatised boy who doesn’t belong in a small seaside town in Sicily. Although adopted when he was left abandoned as a baby, he’s never felt truly safe. Because the townspeople look down on him and his kind. So sad…
This story is written in the present tense which I found a bit tricky to navigate because I’m not used to it.
Although written for kids, I almost wish it was written for adults. I had so many questions about the history, resistance, underbelly and role of the church.
It’s fast paced, skims across the surface of a number of issues - and ultimately gives a glimpse of what it must have been like to live in occupied Sicily during WWII.
Not everyone is who they seem, and that’s what I loved most about this story. Those puppeteers!
8/10
#bookreview #theboyandthespy #wwii #puffinbooks #youngadult #reading
This was part of my @secretbookstuff bundle - thanks again Laura and Amy!
This story is about a brave, stigmatised boy who doesn’t belong in a small seaside town in Sicily. Although adopted when he was left abandoned as a baby, he’s never felt truly safe. Because the townspeople look down on him and his kind. So sad…
This story is written in the present tense which I found a bit tricky to navigate because I’m not used to it.
Although written for kids, I almost wish it was written for adults. I had so many questions about the history, resistance, underbelly and role of the church.
It’s fast paced, skims across the surface of a number of issues - and ultimately gives a glimpse of what it must have been like to live in occupied Sicily during WWII.
Not everyone is who they seem, and that’s what I loved most about this story. Those puppeteers!
8/10
#bookreview #theboyandthespy #wwii #puffinbooks #youngadult #reading
June 1, 2021
The book is a great narrative that is sure to get kids aged 8+ reading. It is a fast-paced, and adventure-seeking book.
Setting in Sicily Italy, during World War Two, an orphan boy with a talent for drawing takes his chances, jumping off a dangerous cliff into the Mediterranean Sea. The boy is saved by an American spy Chris. Antonio takes many risks to help Chris, who is injured and hiding in a seaside cave. Antonio makes a friend with Simonetta and met some very dangerous enemies in form of soldiers, the local priest and the man called Viper. The boy helps the American spy make contact with the Allies and arrange the rescue. The tension is maintained throughout and the ending is very satisfying.
The Boy And The Spy is the perfect book for children who dream of being a spy.
Setting in Sicily Italy, during World War Two, an orphan boy with a talent for drawing takes his chances, jumping off a dangerous cliff into the Mediterranean Sea. The boy is saved by an American spy Chris. Antonio takes many risks to help Chris, who is injured and hiding in a seaside cave. Antonio makes a friend with Simonetta and met some very dangerous enemies in form of soldiers, the local priest and the man called Viper. The boy helps the American spy make contact with the Allies and arrange the rescue. The tension is maintained throughout and the ending is very satisfying.
The Boy And The Spy is the perfect book for children who dream of being a spy.
July 15, 2024
I was lucky enough to meet Felice Arena and his passion for this series is evident. This is a fantastic book (and series) for young readers! Perfect for 8+. It had a fast-paced storyline and realistic, researched details pertaining to WWII without being scary or graphic. Many moments of excitement, suspense, and friendship. It’s also a great conversation starter about what life was like during different significant events in history, while also reminding us that “family” can come in many forms. If you have read “The Book Theif” and enjoyed it, you will be able to draw some great comparisons - young children having to do hard things and help grown ups in the face of war.
April 17, 2019
A gently told but riveting tale of the fictitious young Antonio, and his life in Sicily in World War 2. Rejected and judged for being a foundling, Antonio must face tragedy at home and within the German-occupied town. Somehow, he becomes embroiled in rescuing an American spy, and lives on his wits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
The younger group read The Boy and The Spy, an adventure set in Italy during WW2. They enjoyed the adventure, bravery and even the violence! We are looking forward to reading the next one.
We rated it:
10 / 8 / 8.5 / 8
We rated it:
10 / 8 / 8.5 / 8
January 23, 2023
A great action packed book set during WWII in Sicily. Some Italian words dotted throughout but suitable for students 5-6th grade on up. I could see high schoolers enjoying this for it’s easy readability.
March 29, 2023
I read this page-turner on an afternoon train ride for my kids book club. It's about an orphaned boy in Sicily, Italy during WW2 who's chance meeting with a spy changes his life forever. Loved how Felice was able to draw me right into the story. Can't wait for the next one in the series!
May 8, 2017
a great read for children (gr 4-6). A war story with a bit of historical fiction thrown in. I enjoyed it.
March 3, 2019
A WW2 spy novel for kids? Brilliant! Kids are going to love this action packed adventure story set in Italy during WW2. Fingers crossed for a sequel!
June 16, 2017
Awesome!!!!!!!! I loved this book!!! My friends don't read much and even they are reading it now!
June 3, 2018
Great story with excellent characters, action, pathos and intrigue. Loved it.
April 17, 2019
Great story, good option for lit cirlces, achievable at 160 pages.
April 17, 2019
The Best book I've ever read.
July 20, 2019
Quick read, realy good story and realistic action.
July 24, 2019
Felice's talent for storytelling is second to none!
January 14, 2023
Wonderful middle grade fiction book!
January 16, 2023
Felice’s writing vividly enlivens his settings and characters. A great spy novel with danger and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Great for 4th grade and up.
August 28, 2023
My kids loved it!
June 17, 2024
Wonderful chapter books for kids 9+! My son asked me to read it as he wanted to chat about it with me. Parent recommended! Clean, safe, fiction for kids. Recommended!
March 15, 2025
my librarian reccomened this and it was great loved it
June 13, 2017
Lately I’ve been trying to find books for my oldest son to read, who is 8. He’s an advanced reader with good comprehension but he also bores easily so he needs books that are either funny (and kind of silly) or something that is quite quick and has some action in it. It’s been a bit hit and miss with getting him into books – I think in theory he would like to be a reader but in reality it seems like it’s really more of an option when the devices are put away. To be honest, I’ve heard all I can stand of Dan TDM narrating Minecraft videos so I’m really starting to try and push “reading time” where the kids have to be either reading or drawing, some sort of activity not revolving around gaming. It’s a bit of a balance because I also want them to enjoy reading and not feel as though they are forced to do it (which yes, I know, they are).
So when I got this book, I thought it might be a good choice. My husband’s parents both hail from Italy, Sicily in particular which is the setting of this book. My sons attend a very multicultural school where a huge majority of the children have parents or were even themselves, born in another country. Hunter has definitely really embraced his half Italian side, which gives him something in common with a lot of his friends and he asks a lot of questions about the language, the location, the food etc. He likes to tell people he’s half Italian and is always super impressed when he finds things that are Italian. I can get him to eat certain food by telling him it’s Italian and he prefers to identify with the Italian side on things like multicultural day, where you come dressed in traditional cultural clothing or in the colours of the flag. I honestly hope that this interest continues as he gets older – there’s a lot of interesting things for him to learn and he’s also eligible for dual citizenship, should he choose to pursue this at a later date.
But back to the book, which is about a young boy named Antonio who lives on the island of Sicily with his mother and who, at the beginning of the book, is being chased by German soldiers for a drawing he has done of Hitler and Mussolini. He makes a quick decision to jump off a cliff, an almost unsurvivable drop and in doing so meets an American spy holed up in a cave and ends up becoming a sort of junior spy himself, getting information to the American (named Chris) and then helping him escape the cave and the local area. It’s quite action packed and there’s a lot of stuff going on – Antonio’s mother is sick, he meets an interesting girl, he’s caught up in plenty of dangerous stuff and there’s potential for a lot of stuff to go wrong. I think a lot of kids would find it very exciting to be “included” in such things….Antonio is in the thick of things from the very beginning and there are numerous ways in which he showcases the ability to think quickly (and ahead) in order to get the information that he wants. He also does end up needing help in several instances and there are a few times where he seems to get lucky but it all helps the story keep moving forward.
Not going to lie, for adults there’s definitely a few things that mean you have to really put aside any disbelief and just go with it and don’t ask questions about it. Whilst I could do this, I was pretty disappointed in the end, which involved a skip ahead in time, a glossing over of quite a lot and a very unlikely event – even if it did happen, the ease with which it occurred seemed incredibly optimistic. I’d imagine that there would’ve been a lot of red tape and protocol and restrictions – a war was just ending after all. It made me think about the importance of the happy ending, particularly at this stage in a child’s developmental reading. Hunter recently watched a kids movie that involved the death of a dog and he was distraught about it. The dog was only a peripheral character, glimpsed a few times throughout the movie but it’s the one thing that ended up sticking in his mind from the whole plot. I think that to give them closure and resolution is probably important in order for them to want to keep reading and try other stories. If they feel that the characters they’re connecting with are going to be left in limbo or suffering at the end it might be enough to turn them off – they have all their adulthood to deal with that. So in a way whilst I don’t have a problem with the ending, I think it needed a bit more to flesh it out.
I enjoyed this and perhaps my criticisms come from adult eyes, I’m not sure. But I just think there were a few instances where I would’ve liked some more details. Hopefully I can convince Hunter to read it – it might give him a bit of an idea of what life was like for his grandparents before they left there as young people and came to Australia and I’d like to hear what he thinks about the ending as well.
So when I got this book, I thought it might be a good choice. My husband’s parents both hail from Italy, Sicily in particular which is the setting of this book. My sons attend a very multicultural school where a huge majority of the children have parents or were even themselves, born in another country. Hunter has definitely really embraced his half Italian side, which gives him something in common with a lot of his friends and he asks a lot of questions about the language, the location, the food etc. He likes to tell people he’s half Italian and is always super impressed when he finds things that are Italian. I can get him to eat certain food by telling him it’s Italian and he prefers to identify with the Italian side on things like multicultural day, where you come dressed in traditional cultural clothing or in the colours of the flag. I honestly hope that this interest continues as he gets older – there’s a lot of interesting things for him to learn and he’s also eligible for dual citizenship, should he choose to pursue this at a later date.
But back to the book, which is about a young boy named Antonio who lives on the island of Sicily with his mother and who, at the beginning of the book, is being chased by German soldiers for a drawing he has done of Hitler and Mussolini. He makes a quick decision to jump off a cliff, an almost unsurvivable drop and in doing so meets an American spy holed up in a cave and ends up becoming a sort of junior spy himself, getting information to the American (named Chris) and then helping him escape the cave and the local area. It’s quite action packed and there’s a lot of stuff going on – Antonio’s mother is sick, he meets an interesting girl, he’s caught up in plenty of dangerous stuff and there’s potential for a lot of stuff to go wrong. I think a lot of kids would find it very exciting to be “included” in such things….Antonio is in the thick of things from the very beginning and there are numerous ways in which he showcases the ability to think quickly (and ahead) in order to get the information that he wants. He also does end up needing help in several instances and there are a few times where he seems to get lucky but it all helps the story keep moving forward.
Not going to lie, for adults there’s definitely a few things that mean you have to really put aside any disbelief and just go with it and don’t ask questions about it. Whilst I could do this, I was pretty disappointed in the end, which involved a skip ahead in time, a glossing over of quite a lot and a very unlikely event – even if it did happen, the ease with which it occurred seemed incredibly optimistic. I’d imagine that there would’ve been a lot of red tape and protocol and restrictions – a war was just ending after all. It made me think about the importance of the happy ending, particularly at this stage in a child’s developmental reading. Hunter recently watched a kids movie that involved the death of a dog and he was distraught about it. The dog was only a peripheral character, glimpsed a few times throughout the movie but it’s the one thing that ended up sticking in his mind from the whole plot. I think that to give them closure and resolution is probably important in order for them to want to keep reading and try other stories. If they feel that the characters they’re connecting with are going to be left in limbo or suffering at the end it might be enough to turn them off – they have all their adulthood to deal with that. So in a way whilst I don’t have a problem with the ending, I think it needed a bit more to flesh it out.
I enjoyed this and perhaps my criticisms come from adult eyes, I’m not sure. But I just think there were a few instances where I would’ve liked some more details. Hopefully I can convince Hunter to read it – it might give him a bit of an idea of what life was like for his grandparents before they left there as young people and came to Australia and I’d like to hear what he thinks about the ending as well.
December 30, 2024
From my 9 year old: "Such a good book. Adventurous and kept going back and forth between a little scary to very exciting."
My 12 year old also loved all three of these books!
My 12 year old also loved all three of these books!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews