So You Want To Be A Spy (Intelligence Agent) (So You Want To Be A...)

"Most young people today watch movies featuring spy stories, with car chases, exciting scenarios, and quick-fix conclusions. So You Want To Be A Spy by Linda Soules opens the door to the real world. As one of her series explaining many different careers, in this book, she states what qualities an actual spy, or intelligence agent, needs to have for this kind of work. In simple terms, she lists the different aspects of intelligence work. There is field work, where a spy might be sent to a foreign country with a different name and history after learning a new language. Other spies may construct a fake history together with new passports, identity papers, and a new persona for a field agent. Soules explains that most spies work in ordinary offices, collecting information, sharing this with other in-house employees to discover the truth. Also, there are technical workers who prepare essential aids for agents in the community. A description of a typical workday shows the young prospective spy what to expect.

So You Want to Be A Spy by Linda Soules is a short book, but she packs in a wealth of knowledge. Besides listing the different departments in a secret service, she tells young readers what qualities are needed to be successful in this career. There are exercises to practice skills, further reading material to follow up, and the real truth to explain spy craft. I was so impressed with the basic information, the down-to-earth approach, and the wealth of knowledge packed into the pages. The language is easy, the points are clearly set down, with a behind-the-scenes look at what work a spy really does. This is an excellent book for young people, and I highly recommend it. A series that should be in every school library."

"As a parent, I really appreciate what So You Want To Be A Spy does for kids who are fascinated by spies. Instead of leaning into the movie version with car chases, exploding gadgets, and impossible escapes, this book gives young readers a much more realistic look at intelligence work. It explains that being a spy is less about looking cool and more about paying attention, thinking clearly, learning languages, reading people, and knowing how to separate facts from guesses.

What stood out to me most is how practical and down-to-earth the book feels. Soules explains the different kinds of work that happen inside an intelligence agency, from field agents and analysts to technical specialists and people who create cover identities. I liked that it shows kids a typical workday and makes it clear that a lot of spy work happens in offices, through research, teamwork, paperwork, and careful decision-making. That honesty makes the exciting parts feel more meaningful.

The book is short, but it’s packed with useful information. Did you know that Harriet Tubman was one of the most effective spies in American history? I didn’t, but that’s just one of the amazing things I learned from this book. There are exercises kids can try, profiles of real spies from history, and suggestions for what young readers can do now if they’re interested in this kind of career. I also liked that it doesn’t sugarcoat the harder parts of the job, like long hours, pressure, secrecy, and doing important work that may never be publicly recognized. That’s a valuable lesson, especially for kids growing up in a world where everything seems to get posted and praised instantly.

I’d recommend this book for curious readers around age ten and up, especially kids who love puzzles, maps, mysteries, codes, and noticing details other people miss. The writing is clear and engaging, though some of the vocabulary may be better suited for strong readers or young teens. Overall, So You Want To Be A Spy is a smart, fun, and honest introduction to espionage, and I can definitely see it being a great fit for a classroom or school library."

"At a glance, So You Want To Be A Spy (Intelligence Agent) seems poised to deliver the usual intrigue—gadgets, disguises, and high-stakes missions. As a children's picture book, it might be expected to lean into excitement and fantasy. Instead, it takes a quieter, more deliberate route, presenting intelligence work as a discipline built on observation and patience.
 
The book begins by asking readers to imagine the world as a puzzle with missing pieces, and that idea lingers throughout. Information comes in fragments — reports, images, conversations— and the task is not to collect everything, but to make sense of what's incomplete. From there, the narrative steadily reframes what it means to be a 'spy.' The focus shifts away from action and toward analysis: reading carefully, asking better questions, and being willing to revise your thinking when new evidence appears.
 
That perspective carries through the structure. Sections on daily work, tools, and environments reveal a profession that is often routine and methodical. The 'Day in the Life' pages, for instance, emphasize reading, discussion, and writing as much as any fieldwork. Even the visuals follow suit — cafés, offices, and quiet meetings dominate, reinforcing the idea that most of this work happens in plain sight.
 
What gives the book its edge is its attention to thinking itself. It introduces ideas like confirmation bias and the importance of admitting uncertainty, noting that sometimes the most honest answer is simply 'I don't know.' That emphasis on intellectual discipline — and on loyalty to truth rather than assumption — adds a layer of seriousness not often found in books for younger readers.
 
For readers willing to engage with its complexity, the book offers something more enduring than simple excitement: a way of observing the world more closely and questioning what first appears obvious. A measured, quietly engaging introduction for young readers that trades spectacle for substance — and is stronger for it."

"So You Want To Be A Spy (Intelligence Agent) by Linda Soules pulls back the curtain on espionage and gives ten- to fourteen-year-olds a grounded guide to a profession rarely explained this clearly. It is thoughtful career nonfiction that respects curious kids and the adults who share these pages with them.

Open it and the job comes into focus: how analysts gather fragments from satellites, public records, and field contacts, through cover identities, dead drops, and encrypted communication. A typical day unfolds step by step: morning reviews, team analysis sessions, quiet café meetings, and precise report writing. The book also explains handlers, linguists, and the 'need to know' rule. Profiles of Virginia Hall, Noor Inayat Khan, Harriet Tubman, and Juan Pujol Garcia sit alongside the qualities the job demands, plus practical drills like bias journals and source checks, a glossary, and further reading for families.

Soules writes with a steady, plainspoken voice, treating complex ideas without watering them down. As one entry in the So You Want To Be A... series, it matches that tone with illustrations of embassy offices, hidden cameras, and everyday workspaces that help younger eyes follow along. Parents will find the pacing comfortable for read-aloud sessions, and nothing ever sounds lecturing or inflated.

For children who catch details others overlook, this volume opens a door to disciplined thinking. It points them toward truth-seeking habits that matter far beyond any spy fantasy on screen, and that is exactly why it belongs on a family shelf."

"Where was this book series twenty, even four years ago. Absolutely love that this book gives a good sense of the career. It explains the work ethic, thankless parts, and everything else that makes a good spy."

"Tying it into historic figures was maybe my favorite part — I've always admired Harriet Tubman, but thinking of her as a spy in this way was eye-opening."

"It's not always glamorous and fast pace like the movies make it out to be... just the right amount of information to give a clear idea of what to expect while also keeping my child's attention."

"Super cool read if you have a wannabe spy in your life!"

"This series is so fun. I've read a couple now and find them to be really great. The series mainly brings an introduction into different topics regarding what a child might want to do when they 'grow up' and tells them some of the steps to get started...So You Want To Be A Spy details the day in the life of the intelligence agent, some of the skill an agent might need, different types of job roles within an intelligence agency, and many things you might not know about this type of career. It makes the job seem interesting and exciting, while also being practical and noting some of the more challenging and less glamorous aspects. I really liked the art and writing style of this book and definitely recommend trying this series out if you child has an interest in any of the topics presented in this book series."

"There was genuinely so much I didn’t know or never thought to consider about the everyday lives of an intelligence agent. This book taught me so much. So glad I read it."

"This is a great book for the young aspiring intelligence agent or any kid with an active imagination and curiosity. It teaches observation of surroundings and critical thinking as well as a basic understanding of what an intelligence agent does."

"The good and the bad of the career is laid out in an easy to read and understandable way. These books are well thought out and include fun facts, useful tools, and even what a day in the life would look like."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to read, informative, and useful. The fun facts portion was definitely a favorite."

"Gives a kid a realistic description of what it is like to be a spy, doing away with the 007 Hollywood stereotype, while still making the case that these unsung heroes are in fact heroic."

"A great, easy-to-read introduction to the world of espionage! This book does an excellent job explaining the real talents and skills needed to be a good spy. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the job — long hours, endless paperwork, the constant pressure of living two different lives, and the discipline required to maintain your cover are all clearly laid out. I especially enjoyed the walkthrough of a typical day, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., which really brings the reality of the work to life. The profiles of famous spies throughout history add depth and make you feel what the profession is truly like. I also appreciated the reminder that saying 'I don’t know' can be a strength — it pushes you to dig deeper for the truth. Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the 'I Want to Be' series. Highly recommended for anyone curious about intelligence work!"

"Readable, but not overly simplified... a book that I can present to multiple grade levels and definitely present to my special needs middle schoolers that they can read and won't balk at reading."

"I will ABSOLUTELY be asking my admin to invest in this collection."

"Very cute, comprehensive and honest. I think it’s a great overview and I’m excited to buy more books in the series for my kiddos. I like that it doesn’t leave out some of the negatives (that often your work is important but goes without acknowledgment or praise.). I think that in an age of social media and constant validation that’s important to recognize! I look forward to more from this author!"

"This is a great series for school age children. It is highly informative and educational while still being fun. The pictures are an added bonus to help young readers understand and relate to the book more easily. Kudos to this author on the structure of the book. It's not too long to where readers can lose interest. Very strategic."

"This one is juicy. I love reading your books and I like to know more about this career path. It is very informational and honest."

"I've looked at a few books in this series and this one may be my favorite!"

"This is my second book of this series and I love it just as much as the first! There is so much great information included. Usually when you think of a spy your mind conjures up the movie version. This book connects the truth to what you imagine starting off by stressing the importance of relationship building, and working with information. It covers what the job actually is, where they work, tools of the trade, the best/hardest/most surprising parts of the job, a day in the life, who you work with, how you help people and the most important qualities you must have. I love that it then goes over famous spies from history and some fun facts. At the end it gives you things you can do to prepare right now if this truly is something you are interested in. It includes a Glossary and ways to learn more at the end. The illustrations in the book are also great! I highly recommend this book (and so far any of the books in this series!) They are very well made!"

"I Want to Be a Spy by Linda Soules is an engaging and educational nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the fascinating world of espionage. The book explains what real spies do, the skills they need, and the history behind intelligence work. It is easy to understand, informative, and filled with interesting facts that make learning fun. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, secret missions, and learning about unique careers."

"Great book for the kid in your life that is always asking questions to get to the root of the problem or issue that lies before them. I would definitely recommend this to an older child that has enjoyed watching James Bond, the Bourne movies, or even Ebola Holmes. This is highly interesting and lends a light to what being a spy or undercover operative is actually like."

"This series continues to impress. I was stunned to learn that robot surgeons had peeled and then restitched a grape. What skill.

I also learned that factory floors are too dangerous when robots are running around. Their work must be directed from a distance.

This is the most interdisciplinary book in this series. Young polymaths should like this career field."

"This series is fantastic! I wish I would have had this type of book when I was younger. It’s such a great insight into the intelligence agent profession. Honestly kind of want to change careers now. The illustrations are multicultural and use vivid colors. This book grasped my attention from the start. It is extremely informative and immersive, to the point where you almost feel like you’re with intelligence agents learning about their jobs. I liked that it also includes famous spies and qualities of a spy."

"I absolutely love this series! And there are so many professions that are covered in a way that is perfect for kids to engage with and understand. As a girl mom, to think of my daughters wanting to one day be spies scared me to death, thinking only about the potential danger they would always be in. I love how this book really broke down the reality of an intelligence agent’s typical day-to-day work life and how different it is from what we see in mainstream media. I truly appreciate how the author gives us the facts, shares famous individuals who’ve been in the profession and also provides a glossary of terms to help kids better understand the language used in the profession. The glossary always helps me too! I’ll continue reading books in the series with my kids to broaden their knowledge of professions they may want to go into."

"Wow! Very interesting. When I picked up this book, I figured I'd hear about all the grand adventures spies are involved in, but this book really explained how much of the work is done in ordinary offices, doing research. I'm impressed with how the author described the need to make connections to seemingly disparate ideas to find the thread among the information. Way to go with another great book about a career!"

"Excellent book. It covered a lot of facts that I would never have considered. It taught me one trains to be a spy and the fact that it isn’t always as easy as TV makes it. Sometimes you are in unfamiliar territory and have to work with multiple individuals while acting as if you are the average person."

"As a teacher, I love finding books that instantly grab my students' attention, and So You Want to Be a Spy (Intelligence Agent) by Linda Soules definitely did that.

The title alone had my class buzzing with excitement, and once we started reading, they were hooked. They couldn't wait to learn what a real intelligence agent does and were surprised to discover it's so much more than the action-packed version they see in movies.

One of the things I appreciated most was how the book encourages students to think about the skills behind the career; careful observation, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. Those are qualities we work on every day in the classroom, so it was easy for my students to make connections between what they were learning and how those skills could be used in a future career.

The book also sparked some fun discussions. Students started talking about what clues they notice around them, how important it is to pay attention to details, and why teamwork and making good decisions matter. It was enjoyable watching their imaginations take over while they were also learning something meaningful.

Linda Soules has a talent for introducing unique careers in a way that is engaging, age-appropriate, and educational. This book entertained my students while opening their eyes to a career they had never really considered before. It's a wonderful addition to any classroom library for teachers looking to inspire curiosity and show children that there are so many interesting paths they can explore in the future."

"For any child - or adult - who has dreamed of being a spy (intelligence agent), this is the book for you! Fascinating and fact-filled, topics include exactly what this job entails, the best and hardest parts, famous spies in history, qualities needed to come successful at this job, who spies work with and what a day in the life looks like, fun facts, and much, much more! Dive into the secret world of being an intelligence agent - but make sure to keep it a secret, like a good spy should!"

"This was such a thorough read about what it truly means to become a spy. It makes me feel as though I am walking out into the world not knowing that I could be passing by a spy or talking to one. It's fascinating! I've always been curious about why people do the things they do. I really appreciated the glossary at the end of the book and learning what a Dead Drop is. As an adult, I enjoyed this book and I know a child will love it as well!"

"The writing is easy to follow, and I liked that it covers different aspects of the field without feeling overwhelming. It gave me a better understanding of the work, the mindset, and the level of preparation that goes into a career like this. If you’re thinking about a career in intelligence or you’re just interested in learning more about how the profession works, I’d say this book is worth checking out. I came away with a new appreciation for the field and learned quite a bit along the way."

"This was another very cute book by this author! This book was very interesting to me because of the topic matter. These books are very well done and will make it so kids can be interested in different career options."

"This is my introduction book into the 'So you want to be' books. I am showing these to my children to help them find a path that interests them. I really love how the books doesn't give a straight opinion about the job but it just provides the facts and pros and cons. Then it gives a reading list to continue the interest! While this may be for 10-15 year olds I feel like anyone could use these for help choosing a new field to work in."

"So You Want to Be a Spy by Linda Soules is a beautifully illustrated, award-winning book that's easy to see why it has earned such high recognition.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a spy? Who do spies work for? Where do they live, and what skills do they need? This engaging book answers these questions and many more while taking young readers on a fascinating journey into the world of espionage.

From the importance of observation and discretion to a brief history of spying and plenty of fun facts, the book presents each topic in a way that is both educational and entertaining. The colorful illustrations keep readers engaged while making the information easy to understand.

Perfect for children with a quiet curiosity, sharp attention to detail, and an inquisitive mind, So You Want to Be a Spy encourages young readers to explore, learn, and imagine the exciting possibilities behind one of the world's most intriguing professions."

"Highly Informative read. I learned a few things I didn't know. Great pictures, they lined up beautifully with the information. Yes, it is a children's book and it was beautifully made."

"I'm an adult and not the demographic for this book, but I found this extremely interesting! I like the way it was written and it doesn't talk down to you."