Surprising Spies

October 1, 2020
Spies played a critical and fascinating role in World War II. Ruelle provides interesting and sometimes suspenseful biographies of eight active, important, and often heroic spies who worked during World War II. Ruelle profiles Juan Pujol Garcia, a talented Spanish storyteller; Jasper Maskelyne, a British magician; Josephine Baker, an African American performer; Eddie Chapman, a British thief; Virginia Hall, an American State Department employee and amputee; Noor Inayat Khan, a biracial (Indian/White) Sufi woman who grew up in France and England; Roy Hawthorne, a Navajo Code Talker; and Moe Berg, a Jewish American major league baseball player. (With the exception of Baker, Khan, and Hawthorne, Ruelle's subjects presented White.) They took varied paths to their dangerous new careers, but many were already experienced travelers who were fluent in several languages. All of them seem to have shared steely nerves and a willingness to put their lives in significant peril. For young Noor Khan, her efforts would ultimately result in her execution by the Nazis. Brief, unobtrusive, but useful sidebars provide additional information, and ample period photographs and maps are sprinkled throughout the text. Covering similar material and aimed at the same age group, this effort is far superior to Jennifer Swanson's Spies, Lies, and Disguise, illustrated by Kevin O'Malley (2019). Additional material includes information about several other spies, codes, and suggestions for crafting secret messages. An engaging examination of the important although often unsung work of spies. (bibliography, recommended reading, source notes, index) (Collective biography. 10-14)

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November 9, 2020
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.

November 1, 2020
Grades 5-8 In chapters with enticing titles such as "Josephine Baker: Dancing Spy," "Jasper Maskelyne: Magician Spy," "Eddie Chapman: Safecracker Spy," "Noor Inayat Khan: Sufi Princess Spy," "Roy Hawthorne: Navajo Code Talker Hero," and "Mo Berg: Major-League Spy," this attractive volume spotlights eight spies for the Allies during WWII. Some of the agents were recruited, and others volunteered for espionage, but all contributed their particular talents while putting their lives at risk to serve their common cause. One of the final two chapters covers trade secrets such as codes and invisible ink. The other briefly introduces many more spies, from Roald Dahl to Julia Child to children and teens helping the Resistance. 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.

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Starred review from December 1, 2020

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

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