Book Review: How to be an International Spy by Andy Briggs

I am always delighted to be a part of any project at http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com . Later this month they are sponsoring a blog tour for a new set of books from Lonely Planet Kids for which I was lucky enough to receive a free hardback copy of You Rule! to review. I truly enjoyed that book and given the chance to review another book in the series, I jumped at it.

My Nerdboy back in the day with his secret spy glasses — My Nerd-boy, back in the day, with his secret spy glasses

When my son was in second grade, an art project for school involving invisible writing set him on an obsession for secret codes and spy gadgets. When I saw ‘How to be an International Spy’ on the list, I was overcome with nostalgia and quickly chose that to receive.

I have to say, after reading the first book, I expected to enjoy this one and I was not disappointed in the slightest. It is packed with all kinds of information from the purely educational to charming trivia. It covers everything from the history of spying to creating a dead drop. Highlighted throughout are case histories on real spies and intelligence agencies.

There are chapters for the many skills a modern spy must have, code breaking, disguises, secret passwords and countersigns and even internet hacking. It is all in there for future Jack Ryans to hone their spy chops. Yes, this book made me yearn for any book by Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum or Ian Fleming.

This book is as educational as it is fun and I think it would a super addition to any classroom/homeschool library. I can see kids enjoying it on their own or as research for a larger project. It is recommended for kids 8 and up. My son is 12 and he enjoyed it as much as I did.

Stop by later to see my review of You Rule! and check out Mother Daughter Book Reviews to get more information on the Lonely Planet Kids Blog Tour.

This Bookworm awards “How to be an International Spy” 5 Tomes

About How to be an International Spy

How to Be an International Spy: Your Top Secret Guide to
Espionage ($17.99) by Andy Briggs
will teach aspiring undercover investigators (ages 8+) all they need to know about the shadowy world of spies. From cool gadgets and sneaky surveillance to code cracking and daring decoys they can try in real life, this guide will take readers through the ranks of new recruit to secret agent in no time.

About Lonely Planet Kids

From the world’s leading travel media company comes
Lonely Planet Kids, a children’s imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. We’re kick starting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet can be. We will inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We promise to share our enthusiasm and love of the world, our sense of humor and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the diverse and magnificent place
it is. It’s going to be a big adventure! Come explore.