Happy Book Birthday, Spy School Project X by Stuart Gibbs!

I might be a tiny bit early with this post, since today's read actually comes out tomorrow. But I'm all about celebrating birthdays (not only book ones) to their fullest. Life is serious enough, so when the time to party arises, might as well embrace it with enthusiasm. As my mother used to say, "Why celebrate only one day, when you can party for two weeks?" Which is funny, considering my mother was anything but a party-animal.

Anyway, this book is the tenth...yep, the tenth...in the series. I have actually followed this series for years and enjoy every adventure, which comes out. At least, I have so far. I'm betting that won't change with this new installment, either.

Ready to put on that spy coat and hat?

 

SPY SCHOOL 

PROJECT X

Spy School, #10

by Stuart Gibbs

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Adventure

352 pages

ages 8 to 12

In the tenth book in the New York Times bestselling Spy School series, Ben Ripley races against time and across state lines—by car, train, boat, and plane—to avoid his new cyber enemies and track down Murray Hill.

Ben Ripley’s longtime nemesis, Murray Hill, has put a price on Ben’s head and accused him of being at the center of a conspiracy on the internet. Now Ben finds himself in his greatest danger yet, on the run from both assassins and conspiracy theorists.

Ben must find Murray before his machinations catch up to Ben—but with so much at stake, even some of Ben’s most trusted friends might not be at the top of their game, leaving Ben to be tested like never before.

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60257640-spy-school-project-x   

BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Spy-School-Project-X-Stuart-Gibbs/9781534479494

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/153447949X

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spy-school-project-x-stuart-gibbs/1140975523

MY TIDBITS

Action, adventure, and humor run as high as ever in this latest installment of a popular series, but unlike the other books, this one takes a sudden and wonderful twist.

It's test time, and like so many other kids (even those who aren't spies), Ben is anything but thrilled. But toughing those tests is soon the least of his worries as a rumor hits the internet, and Ben is accused of being at the heart of the latest conspiracy theory. It's open season on Ben's life as a huge reward is offered to anyone, who can kill him. In a high-tension attempt to stop the lunacy, Ben takes off to find his arch-enemy, but with everything going on, who knows what will happen next.

This was such a refreshing wind into the Spy School world. The author has stepped away from the usual scheme, which has dominated this series, and taken a new plot route, while keeping the action scenes as exciting as before and even adding to the humor and atmosphere. Ben has more to deal with in new directions, and that while still handling his age old enemy, Murray.

There will be those out there, who will criticize this read, thanks to it's twist into the realm of internet and disinformation...just because it is what it is. But for the normal reader (who stays down-to-earth), it's clear that this adds to the story, doesn't mean anything political, and actually opens up the doors for readers to realize that everything on the internet should be investigated, considered, and re-checked more than once because...well, the internet is the internet and can't be taken at face value. So, kudos to the author for attacking that bag of worms without attacking it.

Fans of this series are in for another treat as they accompany Ben on yet another exciting adventure, meet old characters as well as one or two new, fever for Ben as he battles one hurdle after the other, and laugh more than every now and then the entire way through.

Review: Spy School by Stuart Gibbs! Graphic Novel Form

As you can tell after yesterday's review, I'm totally in spy mood. Today's review takes the exciting Spy School series...and yep, I've read several books in that one, although not all...and transforms it into graphic novel form. I was super-excited to see this because not only are graphic novels a nice change-up, but I really believe this book is optimal for this format.

Oh, and I just noticed that this one doesn't come out until February 15th...so only a couple more weeks!

Ready to see if it met my expectations? 

SPY SCHOOL

The Graphic Novel

by Stuart Gibbs

Illustrated by Anjan Sarkar

Simon and Schuster

296 pages

ages 8 to 12

Can an undercover nerd become a superstar secret agent? The first book in Stuart Gibbs’s New York Times bestselling Spy School series is now a graphic novel!

Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: CIA or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior CIA academy. Could the CIA really want him?

Actually, no. There’s been a case of mistaken identity—but that doesn’t stop Ben from trying to morph into a supercool undercover agent, the kind that always gets the girl. And through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he might actually be a halfway decent spy…if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life! With action-packed, eye-catching art, join Ben Ripley as he survives his first year at the Academy of Espionage.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

While the novel form of this book was already exciting, this graphic form shoots the adventure up to an entirely new level.

With a great balance of text and illustrations, the story flows with all the excitement it deserves. I was afraid the author might be tempted to add too much (after reading the larger novels), but that is definitely not the case. Not a single letter was wasted on unnecessary descriptions, background information, or add-ons. Rather, the text remains short, concise and exactly what is required, and never cheapens the illustrations. It was easy to read, hard to put down, and exciting front beginning to end. So I found this adaption well done.

While a spy story is, of course, about stopping the bad guys and getting out of tough situations...or just thinking things through...that's not all this one holds. The characters come to life as much as the tale. Ben does start with his normal life before diving into the spy world, and that does let the reader connect with him first and know where he's coming from. He's a nice guy, who has his own dreams, and those aren't necessarily understood by his friends or classmates. His awkwardness continues into the spy school, but this is where his character growth starts. The characters around him don't have the same starting depth, but they gain their own personalities, quirks and even history as the story goes along...and all of that without breaking beat on the action and intrigue.

Fans of the original series will want to pick this up, but I see those who haven't read it, yet, as the more enthusiastic readers—reluctant readers, graphic novel fans, action fans, and such. It's a fun read with tons to enjoy, and I do hope that there will be more graphic novels coming up.

And here they are...

Stuart Gibbs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Charlie Thorne series, FunJungle series, Moon Base Alpha series, and Spy School series. He has written screenplays, worked on a whole bunch of animated films, developed TV shows, been a newspaper columnist, and researched capybaras (the world’s largest rodents). Stuart lives with his family in Los Angeles. You can learn more about what he’s up to at StuartGibbs.com.

Anjan Sarkar’s preferred illustration style is “wonky and slightly misshapen,” which he realized around the time that he started drawing with my children (who are masters of the wonky line). His work is influenced by illustrators like David McKee, Jill McDonald, and Maurice Sendak, whose books he read as a little person. Anjan is also unhealthily obsessed with a few contemporary illustrators such as Benjamin Chaud, Sara Ogilvie, and Neal Layton. Since becoming a full-time illustrator, he’s created illustration for children’s books, animation, and advertising. Anjan works from a little studio in his house in Sheffield, England, where he lives with his wife and two kids.

Review: Spy School Secret Service by Stuart Gibbs

SPY SCHOOL
SECRET SERVICE

by Stuart Gibbs

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Fiction

304 pages

Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: C.I.A. or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate math skills, Ben isn't surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior C.I.A. academy. Could the C.I.A. really want him?

Actually, no. There’s been a case of mistaken identity—but that doesn’t stop Ben from trying to morph into a super cool undercover agent, the kind that always gets the girl. And through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he might actually be a halfway decent spy…if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life! 

MY TIDBITS

Little spies, spy want-to-bes, and simply those who love a great adventure are sure to love this exciting tale.

Ben's dream is to become a super spy, and he's on his best way to achieve that goal. Although he's only in spy school, he's already helped to thwart the evil SPYDER groups plans once. Now, SPYDER plans to assassinate the president of the US, and it's Ben's job to stop them. Too bad, things aren't that easy.

This is a spy book perfect for kids ages eight to twelve. Ben is a super spy, but he's still normal enough for readers to relate to and understand. He isn't a super fighter—in fact, he's rather clumsy. And super gadgets or ultra amazing gear aren't really involved. But Ben's got brains and a knack for math. Combine this with a group of friends he can count on, and even an evil group like SPYDER has got to watch their backs.

The opening scene grabs right away and draws into the characters without going over the top. It starts at school, a very familiar setting, but drops in tidbits like bomb exercises and secretly placed listening devices, which unleash the fantastical world of super spies as well. Each characters' personality comes off smoothly and believable. It easy to see them sitting at the neighboring table in a cafeteria, and still, at the same time, to dive into a spy adventure with all of the action and thrills.

Quick paced is key in these pages as well as the carefully laid layers of intrigue. There are spies everywhere, and it's hard to determine who the moles might be. As the action really gets going, Ben isn't alone but has friends to help out. There are humorous moments, tense moments and tons of surprises. And all of this stays at a level just right for the intended age group.

Summed up, this is a fun read middle grade audiences are sure to love.





And here he is. . .

Stuart Gibbs is the author of the FunJungle series, as well as the New York Times bestselling Spy School and Moon Base Alpha series. He has written the screenplays for movies like See Spot Run and Repli-Kate , worked on a whole bunch of animated films, developed TV shows for Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, ABC, and Fox. Stuart lives with his wife and children in Los Angeles. You can learn more about what he's up to at StuartGibbs.com