Winner,
2008 Silver Birch Award!
Are Y.O.U. ready to be a Young Operative Undercover? If you think you've got what it takes to make James Bond shake in his shoes, this book is for you. You'll find everything you need to know about spy tradecraft inside these covers. Challenge yourself with activities for assessing your current readiness for spy missions, and learn how to keep improving your skills over time. You'll discover how to conduct surveillance, create and deliver coded messages, and disguise yourself so even your dog won't recognize you. Divided into six sections including Cryptology 101, The Art of Disguise and A Peek at Surveillance, Secret Agent Y.O.U. delivers the goods for a solid foundation in spy work (also a great way to have fun on your own or with friends, er, fellow agents).
Colorful cartoon-style illustrations and tongue-in-cheek text transport secret agent trainees into a quirky world of incognito characters and action-packed scenes from the field. While an imagined poison dart, disguised as a chicken drumstick, hurtles toward your head in a Turkish market, you'll be discovering how you can improve your reflexes and reaction time (Official Reaction Time Tester included). The missions and activities in Secret Agent Y.O.U. not only build skills required in the spy world, but also promote a positive approach to everyday routines. The ultimate mission: Use your imagination, maintain your physical fitness, and stay tuned-in to your surroundings.
"Secret Agent Y.O.U. will be a hit with any young reader interested in getting to the heart of spying, or just about anyone interested in an in-depth, factual look at this popular subject."
- Quill and Quire
"TOP 10 CANADIAN NON-FICTION BOOKS FOR CHILDREN!"
– OLA Best Bets
Hardcover | 64pp | 8 1/2 X 9 1/2 | $21.95 | US$16.95 | ISBN: 1-897066-68-6
Paperback | 64pp | 8 1/2 X 9 1/2 | $12.95 | US$9.95 | ISBN: 1-897066-69-4
"BEST OF THE YEAR 2006!"
- Resource Links
REVIEWS
"3 1/2 out of 4 Stars! "- CM Magazine
In this clever, fun, easy to follow, step by step, everything you need to know “training” guide, Becker appeals to the hidden detective in all of us. Me, a secret agent? She assures aspiring spies that it is possible - “Yes, You!” Her book, appropriate for late elementary/middle school age readers, will intrigue the curious and those with inquiring minds who like to get at the facts, piece clues together, and solve problems.
Secret Agent Y.O.U. has a look-over-your-shoulder feel to it as, at each page turn, there seems to be someone going “psst” in your ear. Becker’s sense of humour and her playfulness with words (“For Your Spies Only,” “Mission Invisible,” “Rock and Mole”) are matched by Dave Whamond’s madcap and hilarious, full-colour “spy art” cartoon illustrations of suspicious eyes and shady-looking characters popping out everywhere from such unsuspecting places as chapter titles, garbage cans, letter slots, luggage compartments, and dark alleys. The overall effect reinforces the “Top Secret” tone of the book’s offbeat look at the spyworld.
Becker has a chatty, conversational style that is engaging and invites participation and discovery. As the “spy master,” she informs, entertains, challenges, encourages, and guides “agents-in-training” on a personable, one-on-one basis...
The format of Secret Agent Y.O.U. makes for easy reading. There is a table of contents (a.k.a. “Concealed Inside”) printed on a locked briefcase cunningly illustrated with peculiar characters (one is headless) trying to tamper with the “confidential” information within. Chapter titles (and subheadings) in bold yellow, red, and blue letters (shaded in black) are catchy, for example, “Training Mission: Y.O.U.,” “A Peek at Surveillance,” and “Cryptology 101: Authorized Personnel Only.” A comprehensive and useful index lists most if not all of the spy topics covered in the book, and a “Mission Answers” section allows “spies-in-training” to see how they did on challenges and quizzes.
The book is jam-packed with information (maybe too much at times?). However, highly artistic and quirky layouts that isolate key facts and mission instructions in brightly coloured boxes and speech balloons and on eye-catching clipboards and memo notes make the text more inviting and appealing by allowing “trainees” to absorb the words in chunks. Although there is no glossary, two sections in the first chapter, “Talk the Talk” and “Spy World” introduce spy lingo and the spy network team of agents in the form of a quiz. Did you know that a cobbler is a spy who creates false passports and other documents?
While Secret Agent Y.O.U. can be enjoyed alone, there are a few activities and assignments that require the assistance of friends, fellow “agents-in-training,” or an adult advisor. In particular, “The Jittery Jewel Thief Affair” which has an extensive list of instructions, including the use of batteries, wires, and a coat hanger, would work best in the classroom under teacher guidance just to make sure that innocent fingers don’t get an unnecessary jolt from electrical currents.
Becker certainly and skillfully gives readers, as promised, the inside scoop on secret codes, disguises, surveillance, and much, much more."
Highly Recommended. - CM Magazine
"Wow! I absolutely loved this book with its great puzzles, facts, brainteasers, quizzes, and awesome spy pictures. Try out the obstacles to see if you can be a spy. Learn the spy lingo and watch out for the N.M.E!
The combination of Becker’s writing and Whamond’s pictures are great for any kids wishing to be a spy, learn about spies, or just see them in action!
I give Secret agent Y.O.U. 4 stars... I recommend this book to good readers ages 8 and up!"
RATING: **** - Sarah' Stars
"A position at I.C.U. headquarters is waiting for you.
This book is attractively written, with an easy-read style, and lots of cartoon illustrations, side-bars, and explanations. There are quizzes, games, and challenges. This is a fun book that intermediate students would enjoy."
- Resource Links 
2007 "Our Choice" Selection
2009
Red Cedar Award!
