The Spy-Catcher Gang

by John Kelly, Kate Simkins, Inklink (Illustrator)

Harry and Jenny discover a spy ring during the London Blitz when they find a suitcase containing a gun, money, and identification cards in an abandoned house.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, History

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. This is John^^^Kelly.

John Kelly is an illustrator, writer and designer who has worked for Scholastic, Macmillan, Hodder, Simon & Schuster, Aardman animation, Lucasfilm, Radar pictures and many others. He has been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway prize twice (Guess Who's Coming For Dinner and Scoop!). The Beastly Pirates is his first picture book for Bloomsbury.

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short graphic novel is also a history lesson regarding the first year of World War II in Europe. The German Armies have defeated France and now control all of Western Europe. Their next target is the defeat of the last European power that they are still at war with and the aerial battle of Britain is at its ferocious height.
Harry Tucker is twelve years old and lives in the East End of London and it is 1940. His father is off fighting the war, so he lives with his mother and baby sibling. Air raids are a nightly occurrence, so they spend a great deal of time in the shelter and try to lead as normal a life as possible. Harry has read about German spies and through a coincidence, he encounters one and very bravely pursues the matter at great risk to himself. With the help of Jenny, a girl his age, he is able to expose the spy and do his bit to aid the war effort.
While there is a bit of embellishment in the specifics, the background of this graphic novel is historically accurate. The people of London faced daily terror with the regular deaths of people they knew. Yet, the adults went to work and the children to school as best they could. While they did this, the fierce air war was taking place over their heads and quite likely decided the ultimate victor in that titanic struggle for world supremacy.

[Holly Letson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wasn't that impressed with this story. Sure, the whole "Catch the Spy, Kids!" thing was fun at first, but it got old pretty quick. I really wanted more of the history side of things, instead of the blah adventure that they gave me. And, ironically, in the end, the spy turned out to be just a commonplace thief and the case's contents flew everywhere. An OK story, but nothing extra.
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I read this on We Give Books (wegivebooks.org), where they donate books to schools when you read books on their site.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harry is the man of the house since his dad is off fighting in the war against Germany. Harry and his friend love explore bomb-out buildings but his mom doesn't want him to do that because it is dangerous. To avoid the Carter gangs, that bully him, Harry must go down a bombed street to go to school. He hides out in a house where he finds a suitcase with a gun, papers, and money in it. A spy follows him trying to get the suitcase until the police catch him.

[Adrienne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The graphic novel format reminds me of the sinful pleasure of the Great Illustrated Classics from my childhood. Those books moved me to love a good story, and I think these DK Graphic Readers books might turn a whole new generation on to history.

[Kelly]

This is an interesting book that goes into the past and helps you learn about WWII and the bombings happening along with spies of the time. But it also has bullies in it which is real to life today. A suspenseful and informational story.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun way to teach kids about World War II. Very nicely illustrated.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this graphic novel. It helps kids learn about history in a fun way!