Spy School Goes North
#11 in Spy School Graphic Novels Series
on Goodreads (2,859)
What’s inside...
In the Spy School series, Ben Ripley faces thrilling adventures in two distinct books. In 'Spy School Goes North', the seventh book, Ben is sent to Canada for a top-secret mission where he encounters cold weather, wild animals, and his nemesis, Murray Hill. Challenges escalate, forcing Ben to survive in the wilderness while completing his mission. The eleventh book, set in a remote Alaskan training facility, involves a rescue mission after a teammate, Cyrus Hale, is kidnapped by a Russian nemesis. Ben, along with Erica and others, confronts unexpected twists involving US-Russian relations and a skilled young KGB agent, all amidst the peril of numerous bears.
Character compass
Ben Ripley
Discussion points
How do you think Ben Ripley uses his problem-solving skills to overcome challenges in the story?
What would you do if you were in Ben's situation at spy school?
How do the relationships between characters impact the story and their decisions?
What lessons can we learn about trust and teamwork from the book?
If you could create your own spy gadget, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening when discussing the book to show your child their thoughts are valued.
Connect the book's scenarios to real-life situations to help your child relate to the themes.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, boosting their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and trust, drawing examples from both the book and personal experiences.
Keep the conversation light and enjoyable to foster a positive reading and learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Spy School Goes North,' the characters must work together to solve complex problems and navigate dangerous situations. Successful missions depend on each team member’s unique skills and the ability to cooperate efficiently.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal, and appreciating different abilities and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Explanation: The protagonist and his peers often face challenging scenarios that require quick thinking and clever solutions. The book showcases how they analyze situations and come up with strategic responses under pressure.
Real-World Application: Kids can improve their problem-solving skills by engaging in puzzles and other strategic games, enhancing their ability to think critically and make decisions quickly in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Loyalty and Trust
Explanation: Throughout the book, trust and loyalty among the characters prove pivotal to overcoming obstacles and ensuring safety in espionage operations. This highlights the value of building and maintaining trustworthy relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of being reliable friends and earning trust in their interpersonal relationships, which is vital for building strong connections throughout their lives.
Example Lesson: Adapting to Unexpected Changes
Explanation: Characters in 'Spy School Goes North' frequently encounter unexpected changes and must adapt swiftly to new circumstances. This resilience is key to their success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of flexibility and adaptability in life, helping them to remain calm and find creative solutions during times of change or uncertainty.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation
Explanation: As the story unfolds in various global locations, it imparts an awareness and appreciation of different cultures, encouraging open-mindedness and respect for diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace cultural diversity in their everyday interactions, fostering a more inclusive community and broader worldview.