Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark

Abstract

Reviewed by: Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark Elizabeth Bush Wallmark, Laurie Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars; illus. by Brooke Smart. Abrams, 2021 [48p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781419739637 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781683357049 $15.54 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 3-5 Not long after graduating with a degree in literature, Elizebeth Smith joined the staff of wealthy eccentric George Fabyan, combing through texts for evidence that Francis Bacon authored work attributed to William Shakespeare. However, when America entered World War I, Fabyan offered the services of his employees (skilled as they were at attacking puzzles) as cryptographers, and Elizebeth and colleagueturned-husband William Friedman embarked on what would become their life's work. Called out of private sector research to work directly for the government, Elizebeth not only cracked codes for the military but also trained new cryptographers, penned books on cryptography, cracked bootlegger communications and spy codes, and provided expert testimony at hearings rife with skepticism over the validity of cryptography. Wallmark's lively, detailed text maximizes the appeal of Friedman's story, focusing on the demand for Elizebeth's skills apart from those of her acclaimed husband, and Smart's digitally assembled watercolors sport a vibrant stylishness that will play to readers who appreciate picture books pitched at middle graders. End matter includes a glossary, a walk-through on deciphering a Caesar code, notes on cryptography and secure online communication, a timeline of Elizebeth's life, source notes, and bibliography. Pair this with Schwartz's Can You Crack the Code? (BCCB 3/19) to kickstart a women in STEM program. Copyright © 2021 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois