When Ben gets kicked out of the CIA’s spy school, he enrolls with the enemy. From New York Times bestselling author, Stuart Gibbs, this companion to the Edgar Award–nominated Spy School and Spy Camp is rife with action, adventure, and espionage.

During a spy school game of Capture the Flag, twelve-year-old Ben Ripley somehow accidentally shoots a live mortar into the principal’s office—and immediately gets himself expelled. Not long after going back to the boring old real world, Ben gets recruited by evil crime organization SPYDER.

And he accepts.

As a new student in SPYDER’s evil spy school, which trains kids to become bad guys with classes like Counter Counterespionage and Laying Low 101, Ben does some secret spying of his own. He’s acting as unofficial undercover agent, and it becomes quickly apparent that SPYDER is planning something very big—and very evil.

Ben can tell he’s a key part of the plan, but he’s not quite sure what the plan is. Can Ben figure out what SPYDER is up to—and get word to the good guys without getting caught—before it’s too late?

Published
April 21, 2015
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Spy School

The series

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In the Spy School series, the world of espionage is not all sleek gadgets and thrilling chases. For young genius Ben Ripley, it's a series of misadventures, unexpected twists, and constant learning—often in the most dangerous ways possible. What starts as a routine “tryout” for a prestigious school quickly spirals into a life-or-death game of spycraft. Ben, a socially awkward teen with a sharp mind, is thrust into a world of undercover agents, secret missions, and high-stakes intrigue, all while navigating the perils of middle school.

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Each book in the series delivers a fast-paced adventure, blending humor with heart-pounding action. Ben may not fit the usual profile of a spy, but his ingenuity, determination, and heart make him a natural for the job, even if he’s often out of his element. Whether he’s foiling a plot by an international criminal organization or trying to survive a school dance, Ben’s quick thinking and resourcefulness make him the hero readers root for, even when he’s in over his head.

As the series progresses, the stakes get higher, friendships deepen, and the complex world of espionage grows ever more perilous. But through it all, Ben’s loyalty, humor, and growth make him relatable to readers—proving that even the most unlikely of spies can make a difference.

With each installment, the Spy School series builds on its action-packed premise, offering readers a mix of smart dialogue, exciting missions, and the kind of plot twists that make every page a surprise. Ben Ripley might be a teen, but in the world of spies, he’s proving he’s capable of handling much more than he ever expected. Perfect for fans of action, adventure, and a little bit of humor, Spy School is a thrilling journey that invites readers to see what happens when the world of espionage collides with the trials and tribulations of adolescence.

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