Golden Gate: City Spies
#2 of 6 in City Spies Series
on Goodreads (7,483)
What’s inside...
After thwarting a notorious villain at an eco-summit in Paris, the City Spies are gearing up for their next mission. Operating out of a base in Scotland, this secret team of young agents working for the British Secret Intelligence Service’s MI6 division have honed their unique skills, such as sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives. All of these allow them to go places in the world of espionage where adults can’t. Fourteen-year-old Sydney is a surfer and a rebel from Bondi Beach, Australia. She’s also a field ops specialist for the City Spies. Sydney is excited to learn that she’ll be going undercover on the marine research vessel the Sylvia Earle. But things don’t go exactly as planned, and while Sydney does find herself in the spotlight, it’s not in the way she was hoping. Meanwhile, there’s been some new intel regarding a potential mole within the organization, offering the spies a lead that takes them to San Francisco, California. But as they investigate a spy who died at the Botanical Gardens, they discover that they are also being investigated. And soon, they’re caught up in an adventure filled with rogue missions and double agents! In this second installment in the
Discussion points
What do you think makes Sara the perfect candidate for being a spy? How would you feel if you were chosen for such a mission?
How do the different backgrounds of the characters influence their skills and roles in the story? Which character can you most relate to?
What are some of the lessons about trust and teamwork that the City Spies learned? Have you ever had to trust someone in a difficult situation?
What did you think about the setting of the story, San Francisco? How does it add to the adventure?
If you could have any spy gadget from the book, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book, to model reflective thinking.
Encourage your child to consider different characters' perspectives and motivations, asking questions like 'Why do you think this character acted this way?'
Discuss the real-world relevance of the book's themes like morality, trust, and problem-solving.
Bring out a map to explore San Francisco together, linking the actual city to the book's setting to deepen understanding.
Compliment your child's responses and insights to encourage ongoing discussion and interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'Golden Gate: City Spies,' the young spies must work together, drawing on each other's strengths to succeed in their mission.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cooperating and valuing each person's unique abilities in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The characters in the book encounter numerous obstacles, yet they persist and adapt, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily, whether dealing with academic challenges, learning new skills, or resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist and their team often utilize critical thinking and strategic planning to navigate complex situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills in decision-making processes, from simple choices like selecting a book to read to more complex issues like managing personal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and diversity
Explanation: Characters in 'Golden Gate: City Spies' come from various backgrounds, promoting multicultural understanding and inclusion.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity and foster an inclusive attitude towards peers from different cultures and backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Ethics and integrity
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters are faced with moral dilemmas where they must choose between easy options and doing what is right.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the value of honesty and morality in their everyday interactions and the importance of making ethical decisions.