Enigma Alberti

**I received an advanced copy of this book for review courtesy of Netgalley. My opinion is my own.**

I loved this book! But then again, I love this whole series. I knew of Anna Strong from the show Turn on AMC, so I was really excited to delve into this book and see what it had to say. My history loving heart couldn't be more overjoyed. This is going to be great to use in my homeschooling classroom when my students are just a bit older! The story is easy to read and follow, the cover is gorgeous, the illustrations really bring the entire thing together. 5 out of 5 stars. I can't say enough honestly. I'm just so excited and want to learn more about this woman now! Thank you, Netgalley and Workman Publishing!… (plus d'informations)

This second book in the Spy on History series is the true story of the 23 Headquarters Special Troops' (a.k.a. the Ghost Army) role in defeating the Nazis—how a battalion of artists, set designers, and similarly creative individuals used elaborate sound, visual, radio, and atmospheric effects to fool the German Army.

Persistent readers will find it chock full of coded messages and clues to discover. An envelope marked "TOP SECRET" and "CONFIDENTIAL" contains the necessary spy craft tools to decode the book's secrets, but it will take a careful eye to find them. Clues are within text, borders, images, maps—even the copyright page!

In one illustrated page, the included red acetate sheet would uncover a clue within the illustration. Other images require use of the included cipher wheel, velum, or informational WW II "poop sheet."

It should be noted that this book may not be an appropriate purchase for public libraries because the spy craft materials included in the book's "Top Secret" folder may not withstand multiple uses. If funds were available, however, it would make an excellent choice for a middle-grade book club. Kids could work cooperatively to find all of the clues, crack the code, and decipher the secret letter from Victor Dowd.

Upon purchase, the final pages that reveal the answers are sealed to avoid premature peeking. I confess that although I found almost all of the clues, I did not fully crack the code before peeking. I do think, it can be done, however, with a little bit of time and perseverance. The story of the Ghost Army is fascinating and true, and the book is entertaining on many levels.

Images and a sample page are available at [https://shelf-employed.blogspot.com/2018/01/spy-on-history-victor-dowd-and-world.html]… (plus d'informations)