Rating: Needs Parent Supervision (Violence, War, Prostitution)

Reading Level: Middle School, High School

In this heroic documentary of an American woman’s courage as a spy in WWII, and her difficulties overcoming prejudices of male authorities, readers will encounter (albeit tastefully done for younger readers):

  • Horrific Nazi oppression, torture, and murder
  • Sexism and discrimination against a woman because of her gender
  • Incredible stories of bravery and self-sacrifice from various allies
  • The realities of incompetence of some Allied authorities
  • Treachery by a double-agent French Catholic Clergyman who sought to use the war to make himself rich
  • Camaraderie with a brothel owner, whose prostitutes would give Nazi soldiers extra booze and use the opportunity to gain intelligence for allied spies
  • Sadness over friends who either were killed or whose souls were killed by time in concentration camps or other consequences of fighting for freedom alongside the resistance.

I’m a softie, but I found myself shaking with fear as I read about prison breaks, torture, incredible gumption and resolve, are-they-trustworthy suspense, and ruthless Nazi brutality. Nevertheless, for me it was well worth it to hear of Virginia Hall’s incredible story.

Though tastefully done for young readers, I still wouldn’t let my sensitive kids or any young ones read it until they can handle the sad realities of war (I’m not sure if Middle School is even old enough). 

Agent Most Wanted: The Never-Before-Told Story of the Most Dangerous Spy of WWII