I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
#1 of 6 in Gallagher Girls Series
on Goodreads (191,764)
What’s inside...
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a school that teaches advanced martial arts, chemical warfare, and cryptography. The school is actually a training ground for spies. Fluent in fourteen languages and skilled in combat, Cammie is unprepared when she meets an ordinary boy and develops feelings for him. As she navigates her first romantic relationship, she must keep her true identity as a spy hidden, leading to a challenging and dangerous situation. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the New York Times best-selling Gallagher Girls series with this new edition, featuring an exclusive new epilogue from Ally Carter. Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real 'pavement artist'-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.
Character compass
Cammie Morgan
Josh Abrams
Rebecca Baxter
Liz Sutton
Macey Mchenry
Joe Solomon
Rachel Morgan
Kim Lee
Tina Walters
Josh Abram
Rebecca "Bex" Baxter
Discussion points
What did you think about Cammie’s experience at the Gallagher Academy? How does it compare to a regular school?
What qualities do you admire in Cammie and her friends? How can you apply those qualities in your own life?
How does the concept of trust play a role in the story, especially regarding Cammie’s relationship with her classmates and her love interest?
What are your thoughts on how the characters balance their secret spy lives with their personal lives? What challenges do they face?
If you were a student at the Gallagher Academy, what spy skills would you want to learn the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, prompting them to consider how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the various settings and how they impact the story. Ask your child to describe how the environment affects the mood and the characters.
Explore the theme of friendship with your child. Discuss how the characters support each other through various challenges.
Talk about the fun and fantastical elements of being a spy. Ask your child what gadget or skill they would find most exciting and why.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of trust and secrecy. Have an open dialogue about why these elements can be crucial in real life as well.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust and honesty in relationships
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns the value of being truthful to maintain trust amongst her friends and loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to foster honesty in their friendships and understand how trust is fundamental in forming strong, lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters often succeed in their missions by working together, showcasing how collaboration leads to achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in group activities and understand that cooperating with others can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adapting to change
Explanation: As the protagonist faces various challenges, her ability to adapt and remain resilient is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being flexible and resilient in the face of challenges and changes in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal identity
Explanation: The main character struggles with her dual identity as a spy and a normal teenager, which underscores the importance of understanding and accepting oneself.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and embrace their unique qualities and the different roles they play in life.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: Decisions made by the characters often lead to consequences that affect their future, teaching the weight of choices.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically about the potential outcomes of their decisions and fosters accountability.