Below is the complete list of Stuart Gibbs’ Spy School books in order of publication. This is the recommended reading sequence for the series.
Spy School Books
- Spy School (2012)
View Book - Spy Camp (2013)
View Book - Evil Spy School (2015)
View Book - Spy Ski School (2016)
View Book - Spy School Secret Service (2017)
View Book - Spy School Goes South (2018)
View Book - Spy School British Invasion (2019)
View Book - Spy School Revolution (2020)
View Book - Spy School at Sea (2021)
View Book - Spy School Project X (2022)
View Book - Spy School Goes North (2023)
View Book - Spy School Goes Wild (2024)
View Book - Spy School Blackout (2025)
View Book - Spy School Goes East (2026)
View Book
Spy School Graphic Novels Books
- Spy School (2022)
View Book - Spy Camp (2023)
View Book - Evil Spy School (2024)
View Book - Spy Ski School (2025)
View Book
Spy School Companion Books
- Spy School Entrance Exam (2024)
View Book
About Spy School
The Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs is a popular middle-grade adventure series that combines espionage, humor, and fast-paced storytelling. Aimed primarily at younger readers, the books follow a group of students training to become intelligence agents while navigating the unpredictable world of secret missions and international threats. With its blend of action, clever plotting, and comedic situations, the series has become a favorite among readers who enjoy spy stories with a lighthearted tone.
The series centers on Ben Ripley, an ordinary middle school student with an exceptional talent for mathematics. Ben’s life changes dramatically when he is recruited to attend a secret CIA academy disguised as a regular boarding school. Despite having no physical training or spy experience, Ben is suddenly surrounded by classmates who are already skilled in combat, technology, and espionage.
The premise of the series immediately sets up one of its main sources of humor: Ben is not the typical action hero. Instead of relying on physical strength or advanced spy gadgets, he often survives dangerous situations through quick thinking, luck, and problem-solving. This makes him a relatable protagonist for younger readers who might imagine themselves in similar circumstances.
Reading the Spy School books in publication order allows readers to follow Ben’s gradual transformation from an unprepared recruit into a more confident and capable young spy. While he never becomes the traditional action hero, each book shows him gaining experience and learning how to navigate the unusual challenges of intelligence work.
The early novels focus on Ben’s time at the spy academy, where he learns the fundamentals of espionage while facing threats from a mysterious criminal organization known as SPYDER. The organization serves as a recurring antagonist throughout the series, often attempting to infiltrate the academy or carry out dangerous international plots.
As the series progresses, the scope of the stories expands beyond the school itself. Later books take Ben and his classmates on missions around the world, including international spy operations and undercover assignments. These adventures introduce new locations, new allies, and increasingly complex threats.
Another important aspect of the series is the friendships and rivalries between the students. Characters such as Erica Hale—a highly skilled and confident young spy—play a significant role in Ben’s development. Erica often serves as both a mentor and a partner during missions, helping balance Ben’s lack of training with her extensive spy skills.
Stuart Gibbs writes the series with a strong sense of humor, often placing the characters in absurd or unexpected situations. The books include clever dialogue, surprising twists, and action scenes that keep the story moving quickly. At the same time, the novels emphasize teamwork, loyalty, and perseverance.
Gibbs is also known for writing other adventure series for younger readers, including the FunJungle and Moon Base Alpha books. His experience in writing fast-paced adventure stories is clearly reflected in the structure of the Spy School novels, which maintain a steady balance between action and comedy.
The series has grown steadily since the first book’s release, expanding into multiple installments as well as companion titles and spin-offs. Each new entry builds on previous events while introducing fresh challenges and missions for Ben and his friends.
Following the Spy School books in publication order allows readers to see how Stuart Gibbs gradually expands the world of the series—from a secret academy setting to a broader network of international spy adventures. The result is a series that combines suspense, humor, and youthful curiosity, creating stories that remain engaging for both younger readers and fans of lighthearted espionage fiction.