Surprising Spies: Unexpected Heroes of World War II

Ruelle provides interesting and sometimes suspenseful biographies of eight active, important, and often heroic spies who worked during World War II. . . . An engaging examination of the important although often unsung work of spies

Although middle-grade readers may know little about the war, the book delivers a good deal of information in concise sidebars as well as individual narratives that offer drama, varied settings, and a gradually broadening perspective. The many archival photos and the relatively inclusive selection of featured spies enhance the book's appeal, and Ruelle's storytelling is consistently engaging. A lively addition to the history shelves.

Ruelle (The Grand Mosque of Paris) offers another look at courage and sacrifice during the second world war, this time focusing on Allied spies. Straightforward storytelling delineates the dangerous and innovative clandestine work of eight unexpected individuals. Several were already famous, including American expat Josephine Baker, a Black entertainer who smuggled information for her beloved adopted France; inventor and magician Jasper Maskelyne, a camouflage and diversion expert who was part of an eclectic unit of soldiers called the "Magic Gang"; professional baseball player Moe Berg; and Sufi princess Noor Inayat Khan. Archival photographs, maps, section headings ("Arrested Again," "German Spy School"), and numerous highlighted sidebars, defining terms like handler and double agent, intersperse the text. Final chapters provide a brief roundup of additional spies, including Roald Dahl and children as young as nine who aided the French Resistance, as well as Morse code and Navajo code-talker cipher messages to decode and recipes for invisible ink. A clear, age-appropriate introduction to spycraft and WWII history that may well pique interest in both topics. Back matter contains a multipage timeline, source notes, a bibliography including personal interviews, and further reading. Ages 8-12. (Nov.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--This entertaining anthology features short biographies of people who worked to undermine the Nazi regime during World War II. Each chapter highlights a specific person and their career as a spy, such as Josephine Baker, Virginia Hall, and Noor Inayat Khan. The concise chapters contain many graphic elements. Photographs and maps help to illuminate each individual, allowing readers to develop a connection to each of the spies. The profiles seem to be carefully selected and curated, ensuring a balanced gender representation. Many different cultural groups are represented, including Hispanics, African Americans, Indians, and Native Americans. The men and women have unique backgrounds, including a magician, a safecracker, a musician, and a baseball player. Each compelling entry details what happened to the spies after the war. Teachers can offer this title to reluctant readers, and the book could also serve as a starting point for deeper research. This work is recommended for ages eight through 12, but older readers might also find this an engrossing read. VERDICT An excellent addition to any collection about World War II.--Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elem., FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ Photographs and maps help to illuminate each individual, allowing readers to develop a connection to each of the spies. The profiles seem to be carefully selected and curated, ensuring a balanced gender representation. Many different cultural groups are represented, including Hispanics, African Americans, Indians, and Native Americans. The men and women have unique backgrounds, including a magician, a safecracker, a musician, and a baseball player. Each compelling entry details what happened to the spies after the war. . . . An excellent addition to any collection about World War II.—School Library Journal, Starred Review

Ruelle provides interesting and sometimes suspenseful biographies of eight active, important, and often heroic spies who worked during World War II. . . . An engaging examination of the important although often unsung work of spies.—Kirkus Reviews

Although middle-grade readers may know little about the war, the book delivers a good deal of information in concise sidebars as well as individual narratives that offer drama, varied settings, and a gradually broadening perspective. The many archival photos and the relatively inclusive selection of featured spies enhance the book's appeal, and Ruelle's storytelling is consistently engaging. A lively addition to the history shelves.—Booklist &

Straightforward storytelling delineates the dangerous and innovative clandestine work of eight unexpected individuals. . . . A clear, age-appropriate introduction to spycraft and WWII history that may well pique interest in both topics.—Publishers Weekly