Code Breaker, Spy Hunter by Laurie Wallmark is a picture book biography that young readers will not be able to put down. It tells the fascinating story of Elizebeth Friedman, a little-known code breaker who made a huge impact in the early days of US cryptology. From taking down notorious gangsters to breaking Nazi spy codes, this remarkable woman’s work undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. What sets this biography apart is the inclusion of engaging back matter that explains codes and ciphers, provides further information on cryptology, a bibliography, a timeline of Elizebeth’s life, and even secret messages for young readers to decode.
Wallmark’s writing is informative without being overwhelming, and the illustrations by Brooke Smart are detailed and eye-catching. Code Breaker, Spy Hunter is a must-read for any young person interested in spy stories or history and a perfect addition to any classroom.
