Parents' Guide to

Spy Ski School: Spy School, Book 4

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Crushes, jealousy cut in on spy action on ski slopes.

Book Stuart Gibbs Mystery 2016
Spy Ski School: Spy School, Book 4 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 3 parent reviews

rachelrocks11
rachelrocks11 Adult
November 13, 2020
age 10+

Sex is a one dot

This is an awesome book, but I think they should've put one dot for sex. There was a kiss, crushes and advice on women. A character mentioned champagne for advice on women. Another character also mentioned that her father was eating bull testicles when he thought they were oysters. The word "crotch" is said.

This title has:

Educational value
SD772
SD772 Adult
January 1, 2020
age 10+

Original reviewer missed blasphemy

We have enjoyed the Spy School series but were disappointed to find OMG in this one and it was not picked up by the original Common Sense Media reviewer.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SPY SKI SCHOOL sends 13-year-old spy-in-training Ben Ripley to Vail, Colorado, for a top-priority mission disguised as a ski vacation. Ben's mission is to befriend Jessica Shang, the teen daughter of criminal mastermind Leo Shang, to try to uncover a murky plot. An added bonus: He's going with Erica, the top spy at school who's stubbornly unresponsive to his personal interest. Ben gets off to a good start, but things go awry when his best friend Mike shows up on the scene -- and Jessica's swept away by his charm. Ben needs to shake off his friend, get back in Jessica's good graces, and foil the plot -- before it's too late. Complicating matters is Ben's crush on Erica, the best spy in the school.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (12 ):

Ben and his friends hit the slopes in the latest in Stuart Gibbs' spy-school series, but this time the problem isn't just the bad guy -- crushes and romantic drama get in the way of their mission. The teen spies go to Spy Ski School to figure out what, if anything, Leo Shang is plotting, but most of the energy is focused on entangled flirting among two spies, a friend, and Shang's daughter.

The awkwardness and drama may strike a chord with readers, but the manipulation and stereotyping hit a sour note. Girls especially might feel a bit betrayed to see smart, talented Erica hamming it up as a ditzy, silly girl to distract Ben's friend. The action scenes are exciting, as always, and the kids' clever problem-solving keep this one from wiping out.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about romantic rivalry in Spy Ski School. Ben and his friends and colleagues rely on jealousy and flattery to get close to Jessica. Do you think this portrayal is realistic and respectful of girls (or boys)?

  • Ben is told his only real talent as a spy is the ability to make friends. Do you see this as an important skill? How is it helpful?

  • Which familiar spy-movie devices are in this novel? Do you find such references clever or predictable?

Book Details

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