I loved reading The Bletchley Riddle, set in Bletchley Park during World War II. It is a part of history I was unaware of, and I was thrilled to learn more about it. It was a little-known group of people and children who were working desperately to crack Hitler’s coded messages. They used Enigma machines to help bring messages that changed the trajectory of the war, and it is estimated that they reduced the length of the war by two years.
This enchanting book is full of mystery, secret codes, sibling rivlery and history. With a very clever sister, Lizzie, and a more rule-following brother, Jakob, the mystery of their missing mother consumes many of their thoughts. However, with a raging war and secrets to keep, they find themselves bending rules and dodging authority to find answers.
This is a perfect book for middle-grade readers or a family read-aloud. While addressing a difficult time in history, it is not scary or inappropriate. It would be a wonderful addition to a World War II history study or a book that teachers, perserverance, loyalty, and the value of family and friends.
“Friends are like family, and sometimes the families we build are just as strong as the families we are born into.” – The Bletchley Riddle