Review Detail

What worked: Fascinating story of American cryptanalyst Elizebeth Friedman and how her work helped break codes during two world wars. Her story only came to light decades after her papers were declassified.

I love how the author not only gives the history of Elizebeth Friedman but weaves throughout ways she was able to break through codes. This even when critics claimed it was only her opinions and not science.

The illustrations are engaging. So is the information on what cryptanalysis is and how this science helped bring to justice not only Nazis, but others who worked against the government. I also like how there is a crack the code page at the back of the book for young readers to try breaking their own codes.

Informative spotlight on a woman cryptanalyst who not only broke through Nazi spy rings, but created the first CIA cryptology unit.