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Spy School
by Gibbs, Stuart
Ben Ripley is a math geek who barely survives gym class, so when he is suddenly recruited into a top-secret CIA academy, he assumes it is a mistake. It turns out he is right, but not in the way he hoped; he has been dropped into the middle of an assassination plot and is expected to solve it without getting himself killed. The story moves at a breakneck pace, treating international espionage with a hilarious, self-aware lack of seriousness. Ben is a classic underdog who relies on his brain rather than brawn, making his constant blunders and narrow escapes feel relatable. If you enjoy stories where the protagonist is wildly out of their depth but somehow keeps falling upward, this is for you. It is perfect for readers who like their action seasoned with dry wit and teenage awkwardness.
10 Books similar to 'Spy School'
Since you enjoyed the blend of high-stakes espionage and middle-school social dynamics in Spy School, our curated list leans into those same themes of unlikely heroes and secret organizations. We picked titles like City Spies and The Mysterious Benedict Society because they perfectly capture that specific camaraderie of smart kids working together to outsmart adults. Whether you are craving more puzzle-solving intensity like in Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library or just want another fast-paced underdog story where a regular kid finds themselves in an extraordinary, dangerous world, these picks will keep that momentum going.
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This is the gold standard for teenage espionage fiction, featuring a reluctant young agent thrust into dangerous missions similar to Ben Ripley's experience. It balances high-stakes action with a slightly more serious, yet still accessible, tone that Spy School fans will appreciate.
by James Ponti
Fans of the ensemble cast dynamic in Spy School will love this story about a group of orphans recruited by a British spy to form an elite intelligence team. It features the same blend of humor, clever gadgets, and camaraderie found in Stuart Gibbs' work.
by James Ponti
Also by James Ponti, this book features a brilliant young protagonist who uses his unique observational skills to solve crimes for the FBI. Readers who enjoy Ben Ripley's analytical nature and the 'school setting' aspect of Spy School will find this very familiar.
Like Spy School, this book centers on gifted children recruited for a secret mission, featuring puzzles, high stakes, and a unique school-like environment. It shares the same 'smart kids saving the day' vibe that makes Stuart Gibbs' writing so engaging.
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If you enjoy the humorous, slightly bumbling, yet confident voice of Ben Ripley, you will appreciate Timmy Failure. While less focused on international espionage, it captures the same comedic tone of a kid who thinks he is a professional detective.
This book features a high-stakes competition that requires intelligence, teamwork, and quick thinking, much like the training exercises at the Academy. It matches the fast-paced, puzzle-solving energy of Spy School perfectly.
by Roland Smith
This series follows a young boy whose parents are secret agents, forcing him into a world of espionage and danger. It mirrors the 'normal kid caught in a spy world' trope that makes Spy School so relatable and exciting.
This classic story about a boy who invents a secret invention that draws the attention of the government is a great precursor to the themes in Spy School. It captures the curiosity and 'kid vs. authority' dynamic that fans of Stuart Gibbs enjoy.
by Rick Riordan
Featuring a global scavenger hunt with high stakes and secret societies, this book offers the same fast-paced, action-oriented plot as Spy School. It is perfect for readers who enjoy the 'training and testing' aspect of the Academy.
by Stuart Gibbs
Written by the same author, this book features a brilliant, rebellious genius who is recruited by the CIA to solve a puzzle left by Albert Einstein. It shares the exact same writing style, humor, and spy-thriller structure as Spy School.
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