City of the Dead: City Spies
#4 of 6 in City Spies Series
on Goodreads (3,182)
What’s inside...
In this fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies go codebreaking in Cairo in an international adventure. Codename Kathmandu, known as Kat, uses her skills in logic and pattern recognition to lead the team in solving a series of cyberattacks in London. As they chase clues to Egypt's ancient City of the Dead, they uncover a deeper mystery involving higher levels of British Intelligence, making this mission one of their most complex yet.
Character compass
Sara Martinez
Paris
Rio
Kat
Sydney
Mother
Monty
Discussion points
What do you think makes the City Spies team successful in their missions?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate the importance of teamwork and trust?
Which character did you relate to most, and why?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the City Spies?
How do you think the setting of the story impacts the events that unfold?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to highlight the importance of cooperation and ask your child how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Discuss each character's unique skills and ask your child what special skills they believe they have.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to strengthen their creative thinking.
Relate the story's conflicts to real-life situations to help your child understand the practical implications of the choices we make.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'City of the Dead,' the City Spies work together to solve complex problems, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Importance of trust and honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book build relationships based on trust and honesty, emphasizing their significance in any relationship.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be honest and trustworthy in interactions with friends and family, fostering strong, reliable relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The young spies face various challenges and adversities but continue to persevere, highlighting the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to stay determined and persistent when facing difficulties in their academic or personal lives.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The characters often use their intelligence and critical thinking to navigate tricky situations and find solutions.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to apply thoughtful analysis and creativity in solving problems, whether in homework or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The diverse backgrounds of the characters in the 'City of the Dead' provide a rich exploration of different cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open-minded and curious about different cultures, enhancing their social awareness and global understanding.