Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids (Spies in History for Kids)

Carole P Roman is the ‘go-to’ person both for child readers and for authors of children’s books – knowledgeable, warm, sensitive, caring and always the champion for her audience, be they readers or writers! In this wise and sensitive book Cariole expands her contribution to both children’s literature as entertainment and as educational – filling that sensitive gap that too many avoid in explaining the concept of military history as in World War II to children in a manner that makes the subject matter comprehensible.Kids can understand spies and codes and secret agents because of the media tales and games that fascinate them and entertain them. And it is this ‘insider’s secret’ that Carole takes advantage of as she transposes those ‘make-believe knowns’ into facts about the origins and mysteries of World War II. In her Introductory comments the facility of her fact sharing is evident – ‘From September 1939 to the final days of 1945, countries chose sides and an earth-shattering war took place between two giants – the Allied Forces and the Axis Powers. The major Allied Forces were Great Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union, while the major Axis Powers were Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan. Victories were great and small, and both sides used a secret weapon – spies – to help win battles. Spies helped the Allies win some of their greatest victories and eventually the war.’ In this accessible manner Carole makes difficult concepts negotiable for youngsters.Accompanied by fine drawings by Alessandra Sawtelli of tools and warriors and images of all manner of ships and gear, this introductory book shares the concepts of ‘art’ of spying and how spying played such a significant role in the war – from all angles. Making the book more involving, Carole places occasional ‘Did You Know?‘ passages that highlight the messages of her book. An excellent Glossary of terms, list of resources, and bibliography will satisfy the most exacting reader. She also inserts significant players in that war process – spies whose names many of us didn’t realize were operatives!And that brings out a solid point: this book may be written for kids, but it is so sound and skilled that secrets of warfare she explains and shares are very informative for the adult audience as well. This book is another Carole P Roman success and is one that should be in the library of every household. Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 10

We got this book for our 8-year-old daughter. We ended up reading it, lol.It is a very good and easy-to-read book. We are also very pleased that it talks about the American Indian Code Talkers!

My son is intrigued by WW2 and will love this book.

My grandson likes it. He’s 10. Inside because of pandemic.

I bought this book for my third-grade class because I have some kids who struggle with reading and I can only get them interested in books about war. They love it! Every one of my students is riveted when I read this book to them, and it's already helped them learn several new words like democracy, fascism, and espionage. I'd definitely recommend it.

Great summary of the 2nd World War in addition details on spies. And kids definitely grabs the content.

Supposed to be a used book but you couldn't tell by looking at it. Arrived within the scheduled delivery time. My son is happy with it. I try and purchase used when the option presents itself. Less waste when we reuse items instead of always buying new. Thank you for making that an option.

Any book that can get an 11-year-old boy interested in reading it is a great book in my eyes. This added to his knowledge of history and because they are short vignettes, he enjoyed reading it.

Value for money and arrived in timely manner

Really good informative book. Well written and easy to read.

Grandson absolutely loved this

In the chapter about agent Maria Krystyna Skarbek her name is consistently misspelled as 'Starbek'.How unforunate! She deserved better.