cover image Spy School

Spy School

Adrian Gilbert, . . Firefly, $6.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-1-55407-575-1

Part of the Spy Files series, this slim guide to being a spy provides an overview of all aspects of the business, such as disguise expert Antonio Mendez assisting in the escape of U.S. diplomats during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and “black-bag operations” like Watergate. Surprising bits of trivia include the fact that there's a height cap for spies, so they won't stand out. Tips on how to establish a “dead drop” or “shake a tail,” and background on individuals like Josephine Baker, who helped smuggle documents for the French during WWII, will provide readers with plenty of intrigue, no pun intended. Also available: Secret Agents , Codes and Ciphers , and Top Technology . Ages 8–up. (Nov.)