What do you think?
Rate this book
Mac B., Kid Spy #1
Mac Undercover
Before Mac Barnett was an author, he was a kid.
And while he was a kid, he was a spy.
Not just any spy.
But a spy...for the Queen of England.
James Bond meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid with this groundbreaking new fully-illustrated chapter book series Mac B., Kid Spy. The precious Crown Jewels have been stolen, and there's only one person who can help the Queen of England: her newest secret agent, Mac B. Mac travels around the globe in search of the stolen treasure...but will he find it in time?
From secret identities to Karate hijinks, this fast-paced, witty and historically inspired chapter book will keep readers guessing until the very last page. With full-color illustrations and fascinating historical facts masterfully sprinkled throughout, this series offers adventure, intrigue, absurdity, history and humor. Discover this totally smart and side-splittingly funny new series, and experience what it's really like to be a kid spy.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
360 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Mac Barnett
92 books1,329 followersBorn to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
July 17, 2018
The most excellent book about espionage, the Queen's penchant for corgis (except one specific corgi), the tragic history of jeans in the former USSR and the KGB's current tactics. It's a globetrotting adventure full of questions and not many answers. The genius of Mac Barnett will literally never disappoint.
March 8, 2018
This was super-fun and silly and will sneakily teach kids history while making them laugh.
September 4, 2019
Mac Barnett is not just your average student. He is also a spy and secret agent. So when the Queen of England calls to tell him the Crown Jewels are missing, Mac packs his bag and heads to England. From England to France and all around the world, Mac will search for clues, find secrets and vie with the KGB for control of the world's most valuable treasures.
Designed for the 7-10 year old range and heavily illustrated, this book should be an easy win for most kids. Spies are a hot topic for that age range currently and this factor alone will make it an easy recommendation. However, this reviewer has very mixed feelings about it. While it contains all the right ingredients, they don't mix well enough to form a truly enjoyable story. The writing feels stilted, the wacky random ingredients don't ever truly come together masterfully the way they need to for this sort of humor to work. While over-the-top ridiculousness can and often does work very well (think Aaron Blabey or Mo Willems), Barnett never really achieves this, leaving a story that feels long, wieldy and sometimes tedious. Kids should find some things to laugh about if they stick through the story, but the plot does not drive a reluctant reader forward very well. For fans of the genre, yes. It's worth testing on some reluctant readers, but they may fare better with My Weird School, Dino-Mike, Roscoe Riley or Bad Guys.
Designed for the 7-10 year old range and heavily illustrated, this book should be an easy win for most kids. Spies are a hot topic for that age range currently and this factor alone will make it an easy recommendation. However, this reviewer has very mixed feelings about it. While it contains all the right ingredients, they don't mix well enough to form a truly enjoyable story. The writing feels stilted, the wacky random ingredients don't ever truly come together masterfully the way they need to for this sort of humor to work. While over-the-top ridiculousness can and often does work very well (think Aaron Blabey or Mo Willems), Barnett never really achieves this, leaving a story that feels long, wieldy and sometimes tedious. Kids should find some things to laugh about if they stick through the story, but the plot does not drive a reluctant reader forward very well. For fans of the genre, yes. It's worth testing on some reluctant readers, but they may fare better with My Weird School, Dino-Mike, Roscoe Riley or Bad Guys.
August 25, 2018
This book was a load of laughs and I loved Mac B the Kid Spy. Love the history and geography facts sprinkled in as well as the illustrations. Mac's interaction with the KGB agent was a hoot. Looking forward to more episodes of the Kid Spy.
A big thank you to Scholastic for sending me an ARC of this book in their Galley Sweepstakes.
A big thank you to Scholastic for sending me an ARC of this book in their Galley Sweepstakes.
October 23, 2022
Simpatica poveste. Am citit-o impreuna cu copii mei si ne-am distrat de aventurile lui Mac ce ne-a facut pofta de biscuiti-englezesc, fursecuri sau cookies-american.
September 23, 2018
Young Mac B. has exactly the kind of refreshing convincing voice you would expect from a young Mac Barnett. He comes to life as a secret agent, when the Queen of England calls him to perform a scary mission. He must retrieve the "Crown Jewels." He responds,"But tomorrow is a school day," and when she persists he worries, "but my mom will be worried about me." The same thoughts most together kids would consider. This is a clever spy mystery, full of bold colorful cartoon like illustrations sprinkled on almost every page. Young Mac mentions many famous historical places he comes upon, such as the Tower of London, the Louvre, and even the Detsky Mir, a giant toy store in Russia. He humorously invites the reader to look up historical facts he shares, if they don't believe him. This clever fast paced mystery has just the right balance of humor and intrigue to appeal to kids, with it's share of quirky gadgets such as hovercrafts, a Game Boy, and that adorable Corgi of the Queen's he's borrowing, Freddie, so he won't get lonely. Students will be rushing to grab this book Mac. B. Kid Spy first very time. This is a winner, can't wait for the sequel!
September 11, 2018
What an appealing book for seven to ten year olds that will have them laughing out loud while they learn a thing or two! The author has written himself as the main character and narrator and tells quite the tall tale. Lots of humor and comical illustrations make this a very entertaining story. It’s chock full of fun facts that cover a range of subjects from history and geography to word origins and their meanings. I thought the entire book was very well done and I know young readers will be hooked by this charming, imaginative story. I also loved the lick happy Corgi named Freddie. He’s the perfect sidekick for young Mac B.
December 22, 2022
12/22/22 Yes, I've read this with my son three times now. I have a rereader on my hands! Just like his dad. Anyway, this book is terrific. This whole series is terrific. One of my kids' book favorites.
5/8/20 Second reading of this, with my son, who wanted to reread it. Still hilarious and a lot of fun! Highly recommended.
Original review: This book is great! I started reading it with my son but he finished it without me. (He really likes it!) I had to know what happened. Mac (based on the author) gets a call from the Queen of England who asks him to help her find out who stole the Crown Jewels. (We are repeatedly told that this did in fact happen, wink wink.) Anyway, she writes a note to his school
and another for his mom and off Mac flies to England for a mysterious adventure. Great illustrations (all black, white, blue, and yellow.) And so funny! When Mac starts telling the Queen more info than she wants, she says,
“Let me give you some advice. When people ask you how your flight was, they are looking for a short answer like ‘good’ or ‘long.’ They are certainly not asking to hear about plumbers, or misplaced Game Boys.”
Anyway, this was truly enjoyable and I recommend it for your 2nd through 5th grader, or for anyone who enjoys middle grade lit! I’ll definitely read the sequel.
5/8/20 Second reading of this, with my son, who wanted to reread it. Still hilarious and a lot of fun! Highly recommended.
Original review: This book is great! I started reading it with my son but he finished it without me. (He really likes it!) I had to know what happened. Mac (based on the author) gets a call from the Queen of England who asks him to help her find out who stole the Crown Jewels. (We are repeatedly told that this did in fact happen, wink wink.) Anyway, she writes a note to his school
and another for his mom and off Mac flies to England for a mysterious adventure. Great illustrations (all black, white, blue, and yellow.) And so funny! When Mac starts telling the Queen more info than she wants, she says,
“Let me give you some advice. When people ask you how your flight was, they are looking for a short answer like ‘good’ or ‘long.’ They are certainly not asking to hear about plumbers, or misplaced Game Boys.”
Anyway, this was truly enjoyable and I recommend it for your 2nd through 5th grader, or for anyone who enjoys middle grade lit! I’ll definitely read the sequel.
September 1, 2018
For anyone of my generation who saw either of the Cody Banks (esp. the Sequel in London) one, this book is very similar, in terms of humor and action.
Mac is a young boy turned spy for the Queen of England, taking him suddenly across the Pacific (from California), to England, and to France, and Russia accompanied by a corgi named Freddy.
There are a lot of cool historical facts and informational tidbits about each country.
There are some good laughs in here for the kids as much as the adults.... like whenever the adults in the room proceed to give Mac a history lesson, 'Oh brother!'
The artwork is reminiscent of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Some of the 'big spy words' may be lost on some younger kids, but I would think that this would be an appropriate read for about a 8-10 year old reading level (3rd or 4th grade, esp, with reluctant readers).
I'd forgotten that Mac Barnett had written so many books, having read a few others of his. His books are a good suggestion to Reluctant Readers as his verbiage is challenging in parts, simple for the most parts but engaging enough/fast paced enough to keep the reader going and the illustrations abound as well (almost Graphic Novel status).
Mac is a young boy turned spy for the Queen of England, taking him suddenly across the Pacific (from California), to England, and to France, and Russia accompanied by a corgi named Freddy.
There are a lot of cool historical facts and informational tidbits about each country.
There are some good laughs in here for the kids as much as the adults.... like whenever the adults in the room proceed to give Mac a history lesson, 'Oh brother!'
The artwork is reminiscent of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Some of the 'big spy words' may be lost on some younger kids, but I would think that this would be an appropriate read for about a 8-10 year old reading level (3rd or 4th grade, esp, with reluctant readers).
I'd forgotten that Mac Barnett had written so many books, having read a few others of his. His books are a good suggestion to Reluctant Readers as his verbiage is challenging in parts, simple for the most parts but engaging enough/fast paced enough to keep the reader going and the illustrations abound as well (almost Graphic Novel status).
January 16, 2019
I gave this a one-star rating ONLY because it had a corgi. If not, I would have abandoned it. Oh my gosh, I think I lost brain cells reading this. It was even hard to force myself to skim half-way through instead of putting it down!!!
Ughhhhhh. It had potential. It really did, but fell flat on its face because it was so far-fetched in a horribly, unbelievable way. It felt redundant, lacking substance, and all characters involved seemed like complete idiots (except the corgi, obviously). I.e., the author mentions the corgis were standing around nipping at each other's tails, but most corgi tails are docked, and the corgis in the illustration....no tails! *smh* This artwork, my goodness!
I kind of want to put it in the hands of a 3rd grader, just to see what he/she thinks of it. But then I'm scared it'll ruin reading for them. *smh*
Ughhhhhh. It had potential. It really did, but fell flat on its face because it was so far-fetched in a horribly, unbelievable way. It felt redundant, lacking substance, and all characters involved seemed like complete idiots (except the corgi, obviously). I.e., the author mentions the corgis were standing around nipping at each other's tails, but most corgi tails are docked, and the corgis in the illustration....no tails! *smh* This artwork, my goodness!
I kind of want to put it in the hands of a 3rd grader, just to see what he/she thinks of it. But then I'm scared it'll ruin reading for them. *smh*
February 1, 2019
This one is such fun. Reading the second one aloud now. Mac B is funny and smart and the kids are totally finding ways to bring the random history tidbits they learned from this book into real life. And they loved it, and the drawings were simple but fun. How come Wimpy Kid isn't more like this? I'd be willing to read those.
December 20, 2020
Pokes fun at spy novels or movies , cultural stereotypes, and more. Funny.
January 29, 2023
This was was super funny and Jackson really liked it!!
Read
July 21, 2023Suggested by my niece when I asked for a recommendation of a graphic novel/illustrated book. I needed to complete the Geek Out category of my 2023 Summer Reading Challenge.
September 19, 2024
Rolig och ett oväntat slut.
November 27, 2018
Uhm, I am just not sure what I thought about this book. On the one hand I liked it, spies, gameboys, travelling the world, corgis, but on the other hand it was just weird and I got a bit tired off the constant reminding that this was taking place at x and y time or that this was a real story etc. etc. We get it. Mac was a pretty interesting character though, and I liked that he apparently didn't question much just went for the spy life as if it was the thing he was doing all the time (even if this was, for me at least, his first mission). I had a few snickers here and there. But the biggest thing that kept me reading? The illustrations. They were just fantastic. <3
September 28, 2022
A story about a kid spy helping the Queen of England with a mystery.
I really do hate these kinds of books. I just feel like they dumb down things too much and undermine a kid's ability. I liked all the history talk and information, but it was a pretty boring book. Overall, this book is just silly and dull.
I really do hate these kinds of books. I just feel like they dumb down things too much and undermine a kid's ability. I liked all the history talk and information, but it was a pretty boring book. Overall, this book is just silly and dull.
February 24, 2019
Very funny for all kids. Great illustrations that will help kids who are mostly interested in graphic novels stay interested. A good recommendation for reluctant readers.
January 29, 2020
I thought it was pure rubbish, and not afraid to say so.
January 21, 2021
کتاب عزیزم!💛
April 10, 2021
Super cute kids spy book. Great humor for the parents too. Our first chapter book together! ❤️
April 25, 2019
Lika rolig som framsidan fick mig att tro. Detta kommer vara något att sätta i händerna på alla Dagbok för alla mins fans och Kapten Kalsong läsare. Det är roligt på ett sätt som även passar vuxna vilket gör att det även skulle kunna funka som högläsning. Dessutom är det många fiffiga inslag där man får lära sig saker om t.ex. historia och geografi. Fast det är kul! Påminner en hel del om boken Gangsterfarmor som jag också gillar väldigt mycket.
Allt börjar med att Mac svarar i telefonen. Det hela utspelar sig på den tiden då telefoner hade sladdar, närmare bestämt på 80-talet. I andra änden av luten är det drottningen av England. Hon ger Mac ett uppdrag. Som hemlig spion ska han hitta de stulna kronjuvelerna (som visar sig vara en sked). Den misstänkte är Frankrikes president och Mac måste genast hitta på en plan. Uppdraget leder Mac på flera olika kända platser och han får lära sig mycket på vägen.
Allt börjar med att Mac svarar i telefonen. Det hela utspelar sig på den tiden då telefoner hade sladdar, närmare bestämt på 80-talet. I andra änden av luten är det drottningen av England. Hon ger Mac ett uppdrag. Som hemlig spion ska han hitta de stulna kronjuvelerna (som visar sig vara en sked). Den misstänkte är Frankrikes president och Mac måste genast hitta på en plan. Uppdraget leder Mac på flera olika kända platser och han får lära sig mycket på vägen.
October 15, 2019
This is quirky and super funny. I actually laughed out loud a few times. The first-person narration of a young Mac supposedly going up against the KGB to retrieve the Queen of England's coronation spoon is as silly as one would expect. The ending was the tiniest bit anticlimactic -- especially for kids who probably have no awareness of the power of blue jeans. Nevertheless, it's an auspicious beginning to what I hope will be a popular series.
My 5-year-old daughter is currently in love with Mac's Hi, Jack! series, so he's very popular at my house right now.
My 5-year-old daughter is currently in love with Mac's Hi, Jack! series, so he's very popular at my house right now.
January 16, 2019
I wasn't sure Ruby would be ready for a read aloud like this, but it held her attention to the very end! She loved the humor and the spy business. This was a fun kid James Bond 1980s spy story. I even learned some stuff I didn't know. Ruby was excited to hear there is a book 2 and wants to read more! After trying several chapter book read alouds in a row with no success, I'm happy I found one she loved.
August 4, 2018
3.5*
Cute and funny, really like the style of the illustrations, plus corgis!!!
I was bother by some stereotyping, but t was technically addressed in the book .
Cute and funny, really like the style of the illustrations, plus corgis!!!
I was bother by some stereotyping, but t was technically addressed in the book .
August 6, 2020
Love it. Love it. Love it. Mac B's words and Mike Lowery's art are lovely to behold. My 11 year old son fell in love with this book and finished it in time for me to read it on the beach. Everything about it is spot on and we are working our way through the series together.
February 6, 2021
4.25 stars
Young Mac is called by the Queen of England to help him recover some of the Crown Jewels that have been stolen.
What a fun book! As a kid, I loved detective stories and I know I would have eaten this one up. Mac is a great character who is still learning the ropes of the spy business. Of course, the story’s not realistic but it’s clever and funny and kept me engaged the whole time. I think the target audience will love this series.
Young Mac is called by the Queen of England to help him recover some of the Crown Jewels that have been stolen.
What a fun book! As a kid, I loved detective stories and I know I would have eaten this one up. Mac is a great character who is still learning the ropes of the spy business. Of course, the story’s not realistic but it’s clever and funny and kept me engaged the whole time. I think the target audience will love this series.
January 20, 2019
Read it to my son. Cute story.
April 29, 2019
It a very good book when I was at school I got the impossible crime one it was funny and how do you read these books?
November 5, 2020
This book was a delight to read aloud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews