Imagination takes flight with teen heroes

We all have secrets. But what happens when ordinary people become involved in the world of subterfuge?

Books about children and teens who take on surprising roles as spies tend to be packed with exploits and intrigue, and their adventures present readers with questions about ethics and breaking the rules, causing them to wonder, “What would I do?”

Here are a few good reads that offer a chance to escape into a heart-stopping world of nonstop action with capable, smart, tough and heroic main characters.

And, who doesn’t want to be responsible for saving the day — or even the world?

Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh

Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2000

For age 8 and older

Rather than high-tech gadgets and computers, Harriet uses a notebook and pencil to write down everything she knows about everyone. But when her notebook is lost, will there be repercussions when her friends learn each other’s secrets? And how will they feel about Harriet and her spying?

Filled with vivid and engaging writing, this book examines a remarkable and real character who will stick with readers for a long time. It is a classic tale worth revisiting.

H.I.V.E.: Higher Institute of Villainous Education, by Mark Walden

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007

For age 10 and older

The Higher Institute of Villainous Learning is a top-secret school where kids learn the skills they’ll need to become criminal masterminds.

A cross between Harry Potter and James Bond, this book feels a lot like a video game. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and full of details that set the scene — plus the school is housed inside an active volcano and the bell between classes says MWAHAHA.

Students are kidnapped and not allowed to leave. But 13-year-old Otto isn’t used to being told what to do, which soon leads readers to wonder whether he’ll ever make it out alive.

The characters in this story are fun, nuanced and have their own ideas of morality. After all, even supervillains are prone to thinking that they’re doing the best thing for humanity. In this case, they might be right.

I, Q, by Roland Smith

Sleeping Bear Press, 2008

For age 10 and older

Thirteen-year-old Q and his stepsister Angela have unique parents — rock stars who live on tour buses. Even more unique are their own lives: Q and Angela have been approached by the Secret Service to unmask a mysterious spy.

Armed with his knowledge of magic tricks, some cool spy gear, a secret BlackBerry and a stepsister descended from a master spy, Q is thrust into a series of coincidences that suddenly mean everything.

This is James Bond for the junior set. Rest assured, nothing is what it seems. Part mystery, part action and part thriller, this book sucks you in and lets the puzzle unfold.

The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart

Brown Books for Young Readers, 2008

For age 10 and older

Poison apples. Poison worms. What can it mean and is it really being used to manipulate people’s minds?

This is the task set out for the Mysterious Benedict Society to solve. Recruited by a vague newspaper ad requesting gifted children looking for special opportunities, a unique group of four special children take on a secret mission that requires them to face mental and physical challenges beyond their wildest dreams.

Solving the puzzle may also mean saving the world — and learning that the only people they truly can count on are each other.

The Real Spy’s Guide to Becoming a Spy, by Peter Earnest

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2009

For age 8 and older

Who hasn’t dreamed of becoming a superspy? Well, this manual will tell you how.

Included is a history of spies from Ancient Babylon to Chi Mak; a spy speak-style list of acronyms and vocabulary words; information about international organizations that work with spies; directions to tell how someone is lying; and instructions about how to work surveillance.

Both informational and tongue-in-cheek, this book was written by the executive director of the International Spy Museum and is a must for any spy-obsessed youth.

Spy School, by Stuart Gibbs

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012

For age 8 and older

Middle schooler Ben Ripley’s dream job is with the CIA. So, he’s thrilled beyond belief when he’s recruited for the organization’s super-secret junior spy academy, only it turns out he’s caught up in a case of mistaken identity and he’s the wrong Ben Ripley.

Determined to live out his dream anyway, Ben must conceal his true identity while also learning as much as he can about being a spy. The result: Hilarious misadventures and constant attempts on his life that will have readers rooting for Ben’s success and survival.

Stormbreaker, by Anthony Horowitz

Puffin Books, 2006

For age 10 and older

Alex Rider’s uncle is killed suddenly, leaving him all alone. Alex’s world is rocked even further when he discovers that his relative was actually a spy and was killed by a conniving enemy.

Besides that, the British government wants Alex to finish his uncle’s last mission — stopping an evil genius, of course, who has donated mind-controlling computers to every school in England. Soon, Alex is posing as a computer whiz who won a promotional contest and infiltrating the bunker in an attempt to stop the evil plan.

As readers join Alex’s first James Bond-style adventure and a tale that includes high-speed chases, gadgets disguised as everyday objects (zit cream that can eat through metal, anyone?) and a death match with a Portuguese man-of-war, their hearts will race at a breathless pace that easily matches his.

Alex is a smart, capable hero and this is a fun series on which to get hooked.

This story was originally published July 28, 2015 at 11:57 AM with the headline "Imagination takes flight with teen heroes."