THE DARK GAME: TRUE SPY STORIES (Candlewick 2010) takes readfers on an historic, chronological journey into the world of spies. We begin with the Revolutionary War where George Washington becomes our spy-in-chief. Segue to the Civil War and on to the world wars where Janeczko provides glimpses into the lives of Mata Hari (who was not quite as infamous as history has painted her) to Juan Pujol and the Code Talkers. Spies during the Cold War and into contemporary times are here as well. Janeczko includes brief biographical interludes in the various chapters to give readers a more intimate look at the lives of the spies as well. Great back matter includes source notes, a bibliography, index, and photo credits. <424>
How about making some stepstools instead of reading ladders here and pairing some nonfiction with some fiction. Spying plays a role in many YA novels of late as well. So, here are some possibilities.
FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK
DARK GAME
SPIES OF MISSISSIPPI
HUNGER GAMES series
ONE CRAZY SUMMER
CHAOS WALKING series
CONSPIRACY OF KINGS
Add some more, if you like, in the comments section.