Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

Bibliography: Carter, A. (2007). Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy. Hyperion. ISBN: 978-142310005-8

Plot Summary: Cammie goes to an all-girls school...for spies.  In this, the second book of the series, she is facing a recent breakup with a boyfriend she was forced to give up, Cammie just wants a regular school year. But her school is anything but normal, which means the year will be full of trainings, adventures and security breaches. On top of all this, boys are introduced to the school, which makes everything more complicated. Cammie learns more about her self and her school as the year progresses. 

Critical Analysis:  For an adventure story, Carter does a great job of creating suspense at the end of nearly every chapter which makes the reader want to keep reading.  It is told through first person narrative by Cammie, a CIA legacy, who frequently breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly.  Carter also does a good job of making Cammie relatable, despite her CIA training and genius IQ as she goes through many things teen girls go through: embarrassment, heartbreak, a new crush.  For the most part the word choice is fairly simple, though more complex words can be understood by context clues. There are also several examples of descriptive language that is done well: "There are changes that come slowly-like evolution. And growing your hair out" (77); "...and were now fading like a long-lost note in a heavy rain" (236). Though this book was not my favorite,  I could easily see how those who love suspense and mystery would enjoy it.  And despite the fact that the teenagers in the book were exceptional, they were very relatable and realistic. 

Reviews:

    Goodreads.com: "This book is hilarious. Predictable, but hilarious."

    Sneakpeakbooks.com: "Carter creates a fun story full of relatable characters and explores teen romance in a wholesome way that is perfect for younger readers."

Awards:

Connections:

    Can be used as an independent reading book in an English class, especially for reluctant readers. 

     Use as a read together in a middle school English class. Have students keep a graphic organizer to take note of themes and characters. Students could keep a running list of unknown words that are defined as they read. 

    Use as a read together in a middle school English class.  Students create a story map as they read, then create a book review in whatever format they choose. 

    

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