Spy School Series
Spy School at Sea
2021 by
on Goodreads (4,578)
What’s inside...
In the ninth and latest addition to the New York Times bestselling Spy School series, Ben Ripley faces his nemesis, Murray Hill, on the high seas.Thanks to the evidence Ben uncovered in his investigation of the Croatoan, the CIA has tracked his nemesis, Murray Hill, to Central America, where they believe he is boarding the world's biggest cruise ship, The Emperor of the Seas, on its maiden voyage around the world. His mission: Pose as part of a family, with Alexander and Catherine Hale as his parents, Erica as his sister, and his best friend Mike as his brother, to find out what Murray is plotting. At first, it sounds exciting to have a mission on the most glamorous ocean liner on earth, but as usual, nothing goes according to plan. There is action, danger, and plenty of surprises as Ben and his team quickly find themselves in hot water.
Why read this book
- Action-packed adventure enhances engagement and focus.
- Encourages strategic thinking and resilience.
- Strengthens comprehension through complex plots and characters.
- Fosters curiosity and knowledge in maritime themes.
The Big Picture
- Value of teamwork in problem-solving
- Navigating challenges with resilience
- Strategic thinking through fun adventures
- Adapting strategies in uncertain scenarios
Diversity & Representation
- Features a variety of international settings and cultures.
- Showcases teamwork across diverse characters and backgrounds.
- Promotes understanding of global perspectives through adventure.
Age
9-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Ben Ripley and his friends to undertake their mission? How do you think teamwork plays a role in their adventures?
How do the characters in 'Spy School at Sea' show bravery and resourcefulness in the face of challenges? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
The story has various settings, especially on the sea. How do you think the setting affects the story? Would it be different if it happened in your town?
If you could possess one skill that a character from the book has, which would it be and why?
What do you think is the main message of 'Spy School at Sea'? How does it apply to your own life or situations at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about spies and discuss their perceptions. This will set the context and stir interest.
While discussing the book, relate the challenges the characters face to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, to help them connect with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists. This nurtures creativity and deeper understanding of narrative structure.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as depicted in the book, and connect it to your child’s experiences in sports or group activities.
Post-reading, engage in an activity inspired by the book, like writing a secret code or drawing a map, to transform insights into action.
What parents love
Perfect blend of adventure and age-appropriate themes.
Engaging plot that keeps my child eager to read more.
Teaches critical thinking through fun, exciting scenarios.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Spy School at Sea', characters must work together to solve complex problems and overcome challenges, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities and projects at school, learning how to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist, along with his friends, uses critical thinking to decipher clues and solve mysteries, showcasing how essential analytical skills are in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems methodically and think critically about solutions, which is beneficial in academic settings and personal decision-making.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face setbacks and failures, yet they continue to strive towards their goals, teaching kids the virtue of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn not to be discouraged by failure and to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Honesty and Integrity
Explanation: The book portrays moments where characters must make ethical decisions, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the impact of their choices and the importance of making honest decisions in their everyday interactions with others.