#1 in Spy School Series
Spy Camp
on Goodreads (14,213)
What’s inside...
In the second installment of Stuart Gibbs’s Spy School series, 12-year-old Ben Ripley is sent to spy camp to hone his secret agent skills. But just as he starts to get the hang of the spy game, he is targeted by an enemy organization and must go on the run.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think makes Ben a good spy? How can you apply some of his qualities in your everyday challenges?
If you were at Spy Camp, what skills would you want to learn the most and why?
How do the friendships in the book change over time? What does this tell us about trust and teamwork?
What would you have done differently if you were in Ben's situation at any point in the story?
How do you think the challenges at Spy Camp help Ben grow? Can you think of a challenge you’ve faced that helped you grow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking what their favorite part of the book was and why, to get them excited about the discussion.
Encourage them to think about the characteristics of a spy and discuss how those could be beneficial in non-spy activities.
Talk about the importance of teamwork and trust, highlighting examples from the book and relating them to real-life situations your child might face.
Discuss decision-making by exploring different scenarios in the book and asking your child what they would have done in those situations.
Use examples of Ben’s challenges to encourage your child to share personal experiences of overcoming obstacles or learning from difficult situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Spy Camp', the protagonist, Ben, often works with his peers to navigate complex challenges and missions, demonstrating the importance of working together towards common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to collaborate effectively with others to achieve success.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ben faces various puzzles and dilemmas that require quick thinking and resourcefulness. This highlights the value of critical thinking and approaching problems methodically.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to approach their own obstacles with thoughtful consideration and to think outside the box to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Ben’s adventures at spy camp push him to confront fears and challenges bravely, showcasing how courage can help one overcome adversities.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to face their own fears and challenges in life with bravery, understanding that resilience is key in overcoming difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Honesty and Trust
Explanation: The story promotes the theme of being truthful and building trust through the characters’ interactions and secrets that come to light, emphasizing the importance of honesty in relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of honesty in building and maintaining trustful relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Ben learns to adapt to unexpected situations and changes throughout his time at spy camp, an important skill for navigating life’s unforeseen events.
Real-World Application: Children can take away the importance of being flexible and adapting to new environments or changes in their own lives, like moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.