PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHIES: Code Breaker, Spy Hunter by Laurie Wallmark, Dear Mr. Dickens by Nancy Churnin, & A Most Clever Girl by Jasmine A. Stirling
REVIEW
This stunning book about Elizabeth Friedman and her incredible code-cracking skills presents a fascinating look into a woman who used her skills to benefit her country, during not one, but two world wars. The codes scattered throughout the book offer young readers a chance to learn some code-breaking skills themselves. Interestingly, an encounter with a librarian set her on the path that lead to Elizabeth becoming one of the world's most accomplished code breakers. Along the way she met her husband and helped form the United States first code-breaking unit. Not only did she and her husband help break codes but they helped establish techniques and strategies that would be used for years to come. She went on to help capture spies and help decipher the most complex code known up to that time. I appreciated the fact that actual quotes from Friedman were included with the story along with plenty of back matter. The back matter includes more information about codes and ciphers, a code for young readers to crack, along with a timeline and selected bibliography. A thoroughly engaging book about an intriguing, intelligent woman.
REVIEW
While most children won't recognize the name of Charles Dickens, that doesn't mean they can't appreciate the courage of Eliza Davis in writing to someone who was a celebrity in her time with her concerns about his writing. After reading a number of his books and discovering that the Jews in his books were generally portrayed as criminals. As Jews in Mrs. Davis's day were treated poorly already, she was concerned that Dicken's portrayals would encourage the already existing prejudice against her people. She expressed these concerns to the famous author in several letters. At first Dickens dismissed her concerns, but eventually her determination impressed him enough to make changes to his writing. This story presents young readers/listeners with the example of an ordinary person who did something extraordinary and changed her corner of the world. The illustrations are attractive and eye-catching very much add to the appeal of the book.
REVIEW
This lovely book tells of a young Jane Austen and her love of stories. Despite living in a time when gentlewomen weren't expected to accomplish much other than being a wife and mother, Jane found a way to share her stories with the world. Jane's ideas and stories flourished thanks to parents who encouraged her passions instead of bridling them. She spent a lot of time observing people and integrating what she learned into her stories. But the loss of her home and father devastated her to such an extent that her stories faded into the background for a time. When she came back to it, she ended up writing the stories that were enjoyed not only in her own time, but in all the years that have passed since that time. While many young readers won't recognize the name Jane Austen, the story of a girl finding a way to pursue her dreams despite the challenges that came her way will inspire them. The illustrations nicely complement this tale of a young lady who despite her circumstances left a mark on the world that has never been forgotten.
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