The Summer the Spies Moved in

by Mary Locke

Meg knows a spy when she sees one. And Irina, the daughter of the Russian diplomat who has just moved into the house across the street, is definitely a spy.

Irina is also stubborn, opinionated, and unlike anyone Meg has ever met.

But Meg will do anything to catch a spy -- even if it means acting like Irina's best friend!

150 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1991

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute book about a girl in Washington DC who believes her new Russian neighbors are spies. When she first meets Irina, she is turned off by the government propaganda Irina recites. Interestingly, the Russian propaganda is pretty much identical to left wing social justice doctrine.
As Meg and Irina become friends, typical teenage life intermingles with a mystery. This is an excellent preteen novel.

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are too many books in my room.

Thinking about the enrichment course on novel versus short story that I taught recently - this seems to fit in. A very simple children's book which is a ludicrously quick read, and yet it still manages to fit in a number of subplots which don't all necessarily fit together to serve a larger purpose.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not a powerful book but did involve a bit of espionage. I worry that much of this story will go over the kids' heads because they know nothing of the Cold War but it was short and easy to read.

[Marcia Van Camp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a silly book I read during recovery. It was written during the time the Soviet Union was breaking up so it was interesting in that regard but a bit ridiculous as well.