The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin (A Book Review)
- thenerdyhammy
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Ages: 10+
Description: Historical fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Novel
Grade Level: 5 - 6
Pages: 400
Published: 2024
Location: England
Time Period: 1940s
Blurb:
“Remember, you are bound by the Official Secrets Act…
Summer, 1940. Nineteen-year-old Jakob Novis and his quirky younger sister Lizzie share a love of riddles and puzzles. And now they’re living inside of one. The quarrelsome siblings find themselves amidst one of the greatest secrets of World War II—Britain’s eccentric codebreaking factory at Bletchley Park. As Jakob joins Bletchley’s top minds to crack the Nazi's Enigma cipher, fourteen-year-old Lizzie embarks on a mission to solve the mysterious disappearance of their mother.
The Battle of Britain rages and Hitler’s invasion creeps closer. And at the same time, baffling messages and codes arrive on their doorstep while a menacing inspector lurks outside the gates of the Bletchley mansion. Are the messages truly for them, or are they a trap? Could the riddles of Enigma and their mother's disappearance be somehow connected? Jakob and Lizzie must find a way to work together as they race to decipher clues which unravel a shocking puzzle that presents the ultimate challenge: How long must a secret be kept?” (Taken from Amazon)
Review:
This book is an exciting introduction to the world of code breaking during World War 2. Most of this story takes place in Bletchley Park and is told through the eyes of the siblings (the point of view switches from chapter to chapter). Part mystery and part thriller, readers will be on the edge of their seats as events unfold and Hitler draws ever closer….
In addition to the story, the book does a wonderful job of placing the reader in the world of 1940s Great Britain. Explanations of perhaps unfamiliar terms, items, etc., are done without breaking immersion. There are also visual inserts displaying photos, newspaper articles, and more. Finally, the “Historical Note” in the back dives deeper into the history of Bletchley Park and its legacy.
Please note that, as expected, there is a lot of deception throughout the book. One of the characters, however, uses lies and deception to get their own way. Another thing to consider is that any authority or parental figure in the book is either noticeably absent, distant, or an antagonist.
Aside from these notes, this book is a highly enjoyable read and recommended for those interested in espionage, code breaking, England, and World War 2.
Related Resources:
This blog post by Childhood Magic features several different ways on how to make the ink. There are also a couple of non-heat versions.
This blog post by the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has an alternative way of making invisible ink with Turmeric. There is also an easy to follow video, written instructions, and explanations behind the science (one for little ones and one for older children).
YouTube: Winston Churchill - We shall never surrender
Here is a 2-minute clip of audio (along with subtitles) featuring Churchill’s famous speech.
YouTube: How did the Enigma Machine work? by Jared Owen
This is an almost 20 minute video that visually breaks down the Enigma machine through a 3D model animation. The narrator’s explanations are simple (and include a basic definition for encryption, decryption, and electrical circuits). The video is super well done and displays just how complex the enigma machine was! Note: the video ends with an advertisement from the sponsor of the video.
Pinterest: World War 2 Books
Check out our boards for more videos, activities, and other resources.
Content in Summary:
The main issues here are substance use (drinking and smoking) and frightening situations. The characters’ work is dangerous and the consequences are mentioned. Violent language is used a couple times and, since this is war time, death and wounds are mentioned. The language is light, but does include name-calling, cursing, and using God’s name as an expletive. There are a few mentions of anti-Semitism, sexual references, and gross content.
Content in Detail:
Language:
There is name-calling (such as “brat” and “axe murderer”) and singular uses of curse words: “bl**dy” (this one twice) and “d*mn.”
“Heaven’s sake” is used once and God’s name is used as an expletive several times.
There is a character who often speaks her mind and sometimes says unkind things.
A group of women are nicknamed “Dilly’s Fillies” (which is not condoned by the main character).
Past Philosophies & Ideologies:
While not a major point, the book does mention Hitler’s hate of Jews (pg. 106). A Hitler sympathizer is mentioned not liking foreigners and “refu-Jews” is used by a character to rile someone up. (pg. 145)
Romance, Nudity, or Sexual References/Content:
“But standing in the dark, holding Conlin’s hand - it’s jumbling my thoughts in the most annoying of ways.” (pg. 151)
A character notes that the light in the women’s loo (bathroom) is not broken and used for couples as a secret rendezvous place for “snogging” aka “kissing.” (pg. 279)
Guy camps outside as a girl hides in his room. He is commended for acting as a gentleman. The girl makes things awkward by saying, “I take full responsibility for any tarnish to your son’s purity.” (pg. 271)
A man asks a young girl if she is alone. “The way his lip curls with the question gives me shivers.” (pg. 338)
Substance Use:
Many people smoke from pipes or cigarettes as well as drink alcohol throughout the book.
Violence or Harm:
The characters’ work is dangerous and there are mentions of the consequences. There are also a couple uses of violent language and, since this is war time, there are mentions of death and wounds. Examples include:
One character mentions how a consequence for treason is getting shot. (pg. 9)
Mention how mom could have been captured, put in prison camp, and possibly - “She chokes out the words. ‘Torturing her?.’” (pg. 51)
Mention how RAF pilots life expectancy was 4 weeks. Parachutes are found in the English channel- implying deaths. (pg. 304)
“...bleeding from the gash on her head…” (pg. 347)
+Other:
There are a couple gross moments. Examples include:
One character describes an incident from the American Revolution with a British spy. A common spy trick was to swallow a message. “The Yanks suspect him of carrying secrets. They force him to drink some horrid potion, and next thing you know the poor chap’s evacuating from both ends.” (pg. 1)
“His footbath is now pinked by the weep of his blisters.” (pg. 6)
The character cast struggles with loss and grief. The main characters specifically struggle with separation from their parents. Examples include:
A parent is assumed dead - blown up by bombs. The kids struggle with unanswered questions and grief throughout the book. “I don’t want to live without my mother.”(pg. 344)
It is mentioned that the dad died of a heart attack. The kid describes how he reacted (with shock).
There is fear and tension as people prepare and await being bombed by Germans. Examples include:
There are mentions of places being bombed (for example: pg. 234, 330, 370)
Two pilot bodies are discovered. (pg. 375-376)
Graphic moment: the main characters get caught in a bombing (pg. 361 - 364). Descriptions about the smell of burning material, people carrying their belongings away, and wreckage (but not carnage).
There is a stuck up, overbearing grandma who acts as a sort of antagonist throughout the book. (Examples: pg. 322 and pg. 272))
Mention of an uncle who used to swallow coins. (pg. 67)
Reference to an enema treatment. “Remember when she forced Jakon to have that nasty treatment with the red rubber hose? I will do everything in my power to protect you from that.” (pg. 131)
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