Editorial Reviews How do spies do what they do? Uncovering the secrets of a profession whose focus is to keep everything hidden is not easy. But the curtain is drawn aside, even if only a little, in this brief description of one of the world's most opaque jobs. The picture book format uses colorful photographs, portraits and graphics that blend with muted background tones to highlight short paragraphs and sidebars labeled "Spy File" and "Top Secret." The varied skills a spy must learn are described, as well as methods of working and the evolution of these methods as the digital age has influenced how information is collected, stored and stolen. Mini-biographies summarize spies' careers, famous and infamous, which add a personal note to the discussion of gadgets, talents and the different roles a spy might be required to play. The closing pages include a glossary, an index and a list of related web sites. This book is one in the "Spies and Spying" series, intended to energize students' interest in history and current events. It would be a good addition to a middle school history class or library. Reviewer: Hazel Buys