This study examines the portrayal of spies and espionage in literature written for children and young adults aged nine to fifteen. Specifically, it looks at the traits and qualities of the spies as they appear in the spy fiction genre that makes the genre appropriate for the pre-adolescent and adolescent reader. This study looks at twelve books chosen from the spy genre. Content analysis methodology was used to study the works and find common themes within spy fiction that are appropriate for readers aged nine to fifteen. The method chosen to study these books is content analysis and information was grouped into main themes that emerged. The themes within spy fiction that emerged were ethics and values, the portrayal of espionage, the relationship with authority, peer relationships, problem solving skills, their knowledge, skills and training, and the use of technology
