Synergy: World War II Spies

Espionage involves obtaining secret information. Spies help agencies uncover this confidential information. During World War II, strategists conducted a wide range of top-secret operations to help in the war effort.

Read the recently published middle grade book on this topic, then learn more at the website:

SPIES, LIES, AND DISGUISE by Jennifer Swanson tells the true stories of daring tricks and deeds that won World War II. From code-talkers to secret missions, each chapter tells the story of a different event or action. The work of middle grade nonfiction balances primary source documents such as historical photographs with black and white drawings. Covert clues, side bars, and other boxes provide detailed information and engage readers. The book concludes with notes, a bibliography, and further information.

The UK’s National Archives Secrets & Spies website contains information about codes and ciphers, spies, and activities for young code breakers. In addition to information about World War II, the website also explores the broader history of espionage through time.

Visit the Secrets & Spies at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/spies/.

ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Synergy: Cryptography

Cryptography is the study and practice of sending and receiving private messages. The discipline connects computer science, mathematics, and other subject areas.

Read the recently published middle grades nonfiction book, then learn more at the website:

CAN YOU CRACK THE CODE? by Ella Schwartz explores the history of ciphers and cryptography. Each chapter introduces a piece of history along with engaging activities.

Journey into Cryptography from Khan Academy examines hidden messages through history along with modern cryptography. Users are presented with real-world code breaking challenges to try.

Journey into Cryptography 

https://bit.ly/1wyWwlP

ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury.

Book Review: Secret Coders

SECRET CODERS by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes combines an appealing action adventure with concepts related to computer programming.

When Hopper arrives at Stately Academy, she has a tough time fitting in until she meets a boy who shares her passion for solving the school’s mysteries. Together, they use binary numbers and beginning computer programming to unlock secrets kept by the school’s custodian.

Written for middle grades students, the graphic novel seamlessly weaves mathematics and computer science concepts into a witty school story. The attractive illustrations contribute both to the engrossing tale, as well as understanding of the math concepts.

Librarians will find that this book appeals to children who enjoy smart school stories. It also provides librarians with the chance to promote nonfiction books related to codes, computer programming, and robotics. Connect the book with makerspace activities related to STEAM. Mystery lovers will also enjoy the story’s unusual cast of characters.

Teachers will find this new series to be a wonderful way to help young computer scientists learn programming concepts. The memorable stories provide a meaningful context for remembering key ideas.

To learn more about this amazing new series, go to http://www.secret-coders.com/.

Published by FirstSecond, an imprint of Macmillan on September 29, 2015.

Book Review: The Book Scavenger

BOOK SCAVENGER by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman is a middle grades adventure filled with quests, clues, and ciphers.

When Emily stumbles upon a strange copy of The Gold Bug by Edgar Allan Poe, she teams up with cipher-solving neighbor James to solve a mystery. However when the pair find themselves tailed by two thugs, they realize their quest has become much more than a book scavenger game.

The author did a stellar job weaving codes and ciphers into the storyline. Although adults will quickly figure out the mystery, youth are likely to be on the edge-of-their-seats until the last couple chapters.

Librarians will find a broad audience for this fast-paced suspense. Use this book as the focus of a display containing both fiction and nonfiction books focusing on treasure hunts, games, codes, and geocaching.

What makes this book particularly fun is the transmedia element. The Book Scavenger game is real and youth can participate by hiding and finding books.

To learn more about the game go to the Book Scavenger website at http://bookscavenger.com/.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.jenniferchamblissbertman.com/.

Published by Henry Holt on June 2, 2015.