Moe Berg

April 1, 2018

Gr 3-7-For reluctant readers of history, this set is a thrilling exposé on the secret spy history behind many famous people. Comic-style illustrations and an animated narrative tone make for a lively reading experience; photographs, maps, infographics, and vocabulary words add interest and clarity. Kids will enjoy uncovering Benedict Arnold's hidden heroism prior to his turncoat ways, as well as how secret codes, songs, and disguises were used to save lives and gain information. The range of figures and time periods covered and the accessible descriptions of complex and dangerous missions combine to produce an engaging and informative introduction to the world of espionage. The covers may not initially catch readers' eyes, but the stories within deserve a second look. VERDICT Purchase where nonfiction graphic novels are popular.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
Grades 3-6 It may not seem like baseball and espionage have much in common, but that's where Moe Berg comes in. This biography, part of the Hidden History: Spies series (5 titles), examines the life of the catcher turned WWII spy. The son of Russian immigrants, Berg was an educated young man with a knack for languages who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. As WWII intensified, Berg, who was Jewish, felt obligated to help and began working for U.S. intelligence. The book glosses over Berg's later years, focusing instead on the work he did during the war and the skills he possessed that, surprisingly, aided him both as a catcher and as a spy. Lively cartoon illustrations, which accompany photographs and maps, keep this moving forward. An interesting adventure for sports fans and history buffs.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)