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267 pp.
| Scholastic/Focus
| March, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-93612-5$18.99
(3)
YA
The incredible life and achievements of American-born spy Virginia Hall are relayed in exciting detail in this volume. During WWII Hall worked as an undercover agent for both Britain and the U.S. and worked closely with the French Resistance. Her daring exploits will thrill young history buffs and those interested in real-life spy stories. Extensive notes are appended, and photographs are frequent throughout. Bib., ind.
558 pp.
| HarperCollins/Tegen
| January, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-234221-8$18.99
(3)
YA
Frangie (medic), Rio (infantry), and Rainy (intelligence) face the ultimate battle at Omaha Beach on D-Day in this finale to Grant's powerful alternate-history series that places women in WWII combat. Through the desperate final days of the war, all three heroines must tap their reserves of strength and bravery. Well-written characters and meticulous attention to detail make for a harrowing but satisfying conclusion. Bib., glos.
96 pp.
| Workman
| January, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7611-8739-4$12.95
(3)
4-6
Spy on History series.
Illustrated by
Tony Cliff.
This historical thriller--enhanced by engaging graphic novel–style illustrations and thoughtful design--tells the true story of Mary Bowser. An African American spy for the Union, Bowser worked as a maid in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. A sealed envelope affixed to the book contains code-cracking tools readers can use to solve a mystery hidden within the text. Biographical and historical notes appended. Bib.
(3)
YA
This second entry (Front Lines) in an alternate-history series in which women serve as soldiers during WWII finds medic Frangie, soldier Rio, and spy Rainy in 1943 Sicily. Faced with sexism, racism, and anti-Semitism in addition to war's brutal realities, the young women fight to survive and to attain social equity. Evocative, emotional storytelling will engross action fans and history buffs alike. Bib., glos.
316 pp.
| Scholastic
| July, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-80127-0$17.99
(4)
YA
After her brother is killed by Nazis, sixteen-year-old Lucie, seeking a secretarial job with the Women's Army Corps, is recruited for Covert Ops, a secret offshoot working to take down Hitler. In France, assassin Lucie is eventually reassigned to investigate top-secret Nazi project Operation Zerfall. Underdeveloped characterizations and rushed storytelling tip the thrilling premise toward a tedious execution. An author's note discusses real female spies in WWII.
(4)
K-3
Encounter series.
Illustrated by
Rudy Faber.
This text-heavy picture-book biography relies on lots of fictionalized dialogue to introduce fourteen-year-old Dicey, who worked as an informant during the American Revolution. Sneaking supplies to soldiers and warning of an impending Redcoat attack made Dicey a hero in her South Carolina colony. Digital illustrations with an old-timey oil-paint quality complete the story. An author's note and cornbread recipe are appended. Reading list.
164 pp.
| Simon/Aladdin
| February, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-58270-383-1$17.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-58270-382-4$9.99 New ed. (1993, Beyond Words)
(3)
4-6
This enticing, newly revamped collection of international female spy profiles moves chronologically from the seventeenth century to the present day. From hiding messages in hair to using handkerchiefs as secret signals, the stories of courageous espionage--combined with summaries of the historical conflicts, black-and-white portraits, "spy files" trivia, and "spycraft" activities--will engage and inspire young readers. Bib.
310 pp.
| Simon/Beach Lane
| September, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4424-1441-9$16.99
(2)
4-6
The British take control of New York City in 1776; several years later, Sophia Calderwood takes a job surreptitiously as a spy and discovers Benedict Arnold's plot to turn West Point over to the British. Avi's setting is impeccable; the intrigue on the home front, real; and the tension of living in enemy territory, intense. An author's note distinguishes fact from fiction. Bib., glos.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2012
343 pp.
| Hyperion
| May, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4231-5219-4$16.99
(1)
YA
Wein's exceptional--downright sizzling--abilities as a writer of historical adventure fiction are spectacularly evident in this taut, captivating story of two young women, spy and pilot, during World War II. Wein gives us multiple doubletakes and surprises as she ratchets up the tension in captured spy Queenie's story of her best friend Maddie, the pilot who dropped her over France, then crashed.
Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2012
32 pp.
| Carolrhoda
| April, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7613-5399-7$17.95
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Mark Oldroyd.
Sarah Edmonds, disguised as a man, fought alongside and spied for Union troops during the Civil War. Jones enumerates these feats with touches of humor, and she continues Sarah's story throughout the war and her subsequent marriage. Oldroyd makes effective use of broad, rough-hewn brush strokes, particularly in creating an impressionistic background that frequently allows a detailed illustration of Sarah to take center stage. Bib.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2011
48 pp.
| Abrams
| March, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8109-9735-6$18.95
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
John Hendrix.
During the Civil War, Sarah Edmonds, disguised as a man, fought for the Union. Her dedication and bravery also made her the perfect spy. Moss emphasizes Sarah's early work and initial mission, concluding the biography before war's end. Hendrix's art, heavily shaded in orange for battle scenes or somber blue for makeshift field hospitals, emphasizes the horror and drama of war. Bib., glos., ind.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2011
40 pp.
| Holt
| April, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-6770-5$17.95
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Bethanne Andersen.
American-born Patience Wright was a noted wax sculptor--and spy--during the Revolutionary War era. Living in London, she funneled information back to the fledgling democracy. Wright's story is unquestionably compelling, but the narrative doesn't capture its drama completely; the author's note is more engaging. Gouache and pastel illustrations are intricately detailed and provide much of the book's interest and energy. Timeline. Bib.
470 pp.
| Random
| September, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-375-81467-1$17.95
|
LibraryISBN 0-375-91467-6$19.99
(4)
YA
Aly, the hero of Trickster's Choice, continues her work for the raka rebellion, using her spying network to overthrow the evil regents and bring her mistress, Dove, to the throne. The flaccid plot and the cookie-cutter sameness to the characters make this 400-pager drag, but the magic and exotic settings, plus Pierce's trademark quips and strong female characters, give the book bounce.
112 pp.
| Morgan
| May, 2002
|
LibraryISBN 1-883846-88-9$$20.95
(4)
YA
Notable Americans series.
Three spies for the Union (Sarah Emma Edmonds, Pauline Cushman, Elizabeth Van Lew) and three for the Confederacy (Belle Boyd, Rose Greenhow, Belle Edmondson) are profiled in this collective biography. The book is a well-documented account of daring women, but the plethora of facts tends to overwhelm the narrative. Archival photos are included. Bib., glos., ind.