Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars

Young readers will learn all about Elizebeth Friedman (1892–1980), a brilliant American code breaker who busted Nazi spy rings, took down gangsters, and created the CIA’s first cryptology unit. Her story came to light when her secret papers were finally declassified in 2015.

Elizebeth played a pivotal role in early American cryptology, from thwarting notorious rum runners with pen and paper to “counter-espionage against the minds and activities” of the Nazis. No code was too challenging for her to crack, and Elizebeth’s work undoubtedly saved thousands of lives.

Extensive back matter includes explanations of codes and ciphers, more information about cryptology, a bibliography, a timeline of Elizebeth’s life, and secret messages for young readers to decode.