Code breaker, spy hunter How Elizebeth Friedman changed the course of two world wars

After graduating from college in 1915, Elizebeth Friedman learned cryptology while searching for codes, initially in Shakespeare's plays and, later, after America entered WWI, in enemy messages. Intrigued by the work, she became an expert cryptologist, recruited by a series of government agencies. Over her lifetime, her work led to breaking up smuggling rings, rum-running operations, and Nazi spy networks, and she also created the first cryptography unit at the Coast Guard and the wartime Office of Strategic Services, a predecessor of the CIA. Even family members were surprised by the extent of her accomplishments when the relevant documents were declassified in 2015, 35 years after her death. Painted in watercolor and gouache and digitally assembled, the book's attractive illustrations often incorporate a quote or a stream of letters representing code. While the text, tracing Friedman's work through 1945, may be confusing to children who are unfamiliar with twentieth-century history, older kids who read well and are comfortable with the picture-book format may enjoy this biography of a notable American cryptologist.

Gr 2--4--This picture book biography introduces Elizebeth Smith Friedman (1892--1980), a pioneering white American code breaker who helped establish and develop the science of cryptology. After beginning with one case that resulted in the conviction of 33 German spies, the main narrative traces her life chronologically. Friedman's love of poetry and language sparked an early interest in code-making exercises. This eventually led to her pioneering accomplishments in the relatively new science of cryptology. During World War I, Friedman and her husband William "set up the country's first code-breaking unit." Brief descriptions of specific cases provide insight into the challenges and importance of her work, which included aiding the Coast Guard to prosecute bootleggers, key cases in both world wars, and the establishment of the first cryptography department for the Office of Strategic Services. Numerous quotes from Friedman add context and a more personal connection. Her life as a mother and author was regularly interrupted by government requests for her unusual skills. Watercolor and gouache drawings depict a rich visual background to Friedman's life and career, including glimpses of her family and more dramatic scenes of trials and criminals. There's just enough information about how codes work to inform readers without overwhelming them. Some of the illustrations show basic examples of code-breaking; the text also introduces simple concepts. Back matter describes basic code types and offers a "Crack the Code" challenge. VERDICT An engaging introduction to a unique woman in a fascinating field.--Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville P.L., OR

From Shakespeare to secrets and spies. When Elizebeth Smith Friedman graduated college in 1915 with a degree in English literature, she had no idea that the future held secret government work in store--she was initially hired by a wealthy eccentric to find messages in Shakespeare's plays to reveal his "true" identity. Eventually, her talent with language and analysis led to her selection, with her husband, to set up the first code-breaking unit in the U.S. Over her career she unraveled thousands of secret messages, working for the military through two world wars, preventing countless deaths, catching smugglers and spies, and training others to do all of the above. Her work was classified Top Secret Ultra. Concise description with interesting details combines with evocative illustrations that frequently incorporate Friedman's own words to portray the life of this extraordinary White woman. With the exception of a single quote worked into the illustrations--"Many times I've been asked as to how my direction, that is the direction and superior status of a woman as instructor, teacher, mentor…how these men accepted my authority"--no mention is made of how unusual her position was as a woman of the time and, indeed, how her authority was accepted. Still, youngsters will be fascinated by this engaging biographical selection of an original thinker, which includes elements of STEM and history and provides a picture of a dedicated, resilient woman. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 67% of actual size.) An incomplete but appealing and informative depiction of cryptographer Elizebeth Friedman. (notes, timeline, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.