Any kid who’s ever trained a gerbil, solved a crossword, or performed a magic trick has what it takes to become the next 007. This action-packed book readies readers for the world of clandestine affairs with a lively lineup of games and activities. Kids learn how to conduct surveillance, write in code, improve reflexes by dodging poisoned darts (or at least chicken drumsticks), and create disguises so artful they even fool the dog. These super-secret missions build skills required not only in the spy world — imagination, awareness, and physical fitness — but also in everyday life. Colorful cartoon-style illustrations add to the fun.
Helaine Becker is the bestselling writer of children's fiction, non-fiction and verse. Her Scholastic chapter book series, the Looney Bay All-Stars, has sold over 170,000 copies to date. She also is a two-time winner of the Silver Birch Award; for Boredom Blasters in 2006, and Secret Agent Y.O.U. in 2008. The Insecto-Files has been shortlisted for 2010.
In addition, she is in high demand as a presenter and performer at schools across North America. She has twice been selected for the Canadian Children's Book Week Cross Country tour, travelling to both Yukon and Nunavut to present to school children. She has been a featured speaker at the Frye Festival in New Brunswick, Aloud International Children's Festival in Ontario, Weaving Words Conference in Alberta, Literacy for Life Conference in Saskatchewan, and the Red Cedar Awards in British Columbia. She was also a featured speaker at the 2009 Orange County Children's Book Festival in Costa Mesa, California.
A New York native, she has lived in Toronto for more than 20 years. She has been on the executive board of CANSCAIP (the Canadian Society of Children's Authors and Illustrators), and is a member of the Writers Union of Canada. She is married with two teenage sons and has the cutest dog in the world, Ella.
