From the Publisher
Janeczko manages to stay true to history while still keeping a lively tone.
—School Library Journal
A wealth of information in an engaging package that should find an enthusiastic audience, particularly among middle schoolers.
—Kirkus Reviews
With well-chosen subjects (including many women and African Americans who used their marginalized positions to gather information) and contagious enthusiasm for the spy world’s ‘tantalizing mysteries,’ this makes a strong choice for both avid and reluctant readers alike.
—Booklist
Provides solid details along with fascinating snippets in an easy-to-follow text in which he tells stories about his subjects and the way they were trained…provides background details and places the role of spying more particularly within the context of American history and politics.
—VOYA
Will appeal to anyone who is interested in spies and espionage throughout the history of our country
—Library Media Connection
Janeczko's lively writing portrays history with all of the drama and flair of a top-notch spy novel.
—SLJ Teen
VOYA - Hilary Crew
This succinct history of spying, as it affects the United States, ranges from the Culper spy ring during the American Revolution to spying operations in the First and Second World War and up to and beyond the Cold War. Methods of spying are discussed in the context of technological advances and range from invisible ink and examples of various codes to cyberspying operations, such as GhostNet, and the use of satellites. Many of the spies included are also found in other books on spying or in books covering women's roles in war, for example, Elizabeth Van Lew, Rose O'Neale Greenhow, Mata Hari, and Virginia Hall. Janeczko, however, provides solid details along with fascinating snippets in an easy-to-follow text in which he tells stories about his subjects and the way they were trained. Especially interesting is an in-depth chapter of espionage in the First World War that covers the use of Choctaw to confuse Germans in the field, Germany's covert intelligence operations in the United States, and President Wilson's reluctance to engage in espionage. Post—World War II intelligence operations include the Berlin tunnel operation, Gary Powers and the U-2 spy planes, and the spying operations of Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen. While much of this information can be found in other books (for example, Janet Wyman Coleman's Secrets, Lies, Gizmos and Spies: A History of Spies and Espionage [Abrams, 2006/VOYA October 2006]), Janeczko provides background details and places the role of spying more particularly within the context of American history and politics. Reviewer: Hilary Crew
School Library Journal
Gr 5–8—Since the Revolutionary War, espionage has created fascinating scenarios involving some quite unlikely participants. From Benedict Arnold and Mata Hari to the lesser-known Elizabeth Van Lew and Juan Pujol, Janeczko delves into their stories with delicious detail, drawing readers into a world of intrigue and danger. Did you ever wonder why invisible ink works? How a code breaker deciphers a message? Or whether dentistry could affect a secret agent's success? The answers to these questions and more can be found here. Each chapter covers a historical era and chronicles the maturation of spying, while primary-source photographs are interspersed throughout, lending an authentic feel to each section. A complete bibliography and source notes appear at the end. Janeczko manages to stay true to history while still keeping a lively tone.—Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL
