Publishers Weekly
★ 07/22/2024
This dynamic collaboration from Sepetys (I Must Betray You) and Sheinkin (Impossible Escape), set in May 1940, is marked by swift, snappy, and suspenseful storytelling narrated by Polish Jewish siblings Jakob and Lizzie. Nineteen-year-old Jakob has been recruited from Cambridge University by Britain’s Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park to help decipher messages encrypted using the German Enigma machine. When his self-described straightforward-speaking 14-year-old sister Lizzie eludes their American grandmother’s (first, but not last) attempt to bring her to Cleveland, she, too, ends up at Bletchley Park, assigned to carry packages between departments. Now, Lizzie endeavors to disprove the apparent death of their mother, who worked at the American Embassy in London and disappeared in Poland during the 1939 German attack. Short chapters make for fast-paced narration through simultaneously developing mysteries and relationships. Especially well depicted—and explained—is the excitement, as well as the daily drudgery, of codebreaking, culminating in a seamlessly entertaining and edifying read. Most characters, all portrayed as white, are fictional, but historical figures such as U.S. Ambassador Joseph Kennedy and mathematician Alan Turing play minor roles. Includes b&w archival photos and an endnote. Ages 10–up. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"Break out your Enigma machines! Sepetys and Sheinkin have written a thrilling World War II code-breaking adventure filled with ciphers, secrets, and spies."—Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee
"Brilliant! A seamless collaboration produces a genius tale with incredible historical twists! I loved reading this book."—Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of The Night War
“I loved every single page of this book. The Bletchley Riddle is exquisite historical storytelling! I only wish I could read it again for the very first time.”—Jennifer A. Nielsen, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“In The Bletchley Riddle, two of the absolute best writers in kid lit have come together to craft an amazing work of historical fiction. This book has adventure, excitement, humor, hero'sm, and heart set against a backdrop with the highest stakes imaginable.”—James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
“Such a unique and amazing book! Sheinkin and Sepetys have layered impeccable research into a very readable, engaging story. I'm so happy that we will have this amazing adventure historical available for young readers. They clamor for books like this!"—Rae Ann Parker, Director of Books for Young Readers, Parnassus Books in Nashville
"A rich, enthralling historical mystery that engages and educates."—Kirkus Reviews
*"An impressive joint effort between Sepetys and Sheinkin . . . With broad appeal to both WWII and mystery enthusiasts, this highly recommended title is a first purchase for all libraries serving tweens and teens."—SLJ (starred review)
