Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars

Decode the story of Elizebeth Friedman, the cryptologist who took down gangsters and Nazi spies

In this picture book biography, young readers will learn all about Elizebeth Friedman (1892-1980), a brilliant American code breaker who smashed Nazi spy rings, took down gangsters, and created the CIA's first cryptology unit. Her story came to light when her secret papers were finally declassified in 2015. From thwarting notorious rumrunners with only paper and pencil to "counter-spying into the minds and activities of" Nazis, Elizebeth held a pivotal role in the early days of US cryptology. No code was too challenging for her to crack, and Elizebeth's work undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. Extensive back matter includes explanations of codes and ciphers, further information on cryptology, a bibliography, a timeline of Elizebeth's life, plus secret messages for young readers to decode.


Author: Laurie Wallmark
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 03/02/2021
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 10.70h x 8.80w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781419739637
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 512556 / Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2021
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2021
School Library Journal 03/01/2021 pg. 116
Booklist 03/26/2021

About the Author
Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark has written picture-book biographies of women in STEM fields ranging from computer science to mathematics, astronomy to code breaking. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents' Choice Gold Medal. She is a former software engineer and computer science professor. She lives in Ringoes, New Jersey. You can find her at lauriewallmark.com and @lauriewallmark. Brooke Smart loves telling stories through her illustrations, especially stories about brave women from history. She has always loved to read, and growing up she could be found nightly falling asleep with a book on her chest. Illustrating books as a professional artist is a lifelong dream come true. She is living the busy, tired, happy, wonderful dream in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, their three kids, and their naughty cat named Sunshine. Learn more about her at brooke-smart.com.