The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Rating: Recommended with minor parent supervision

Reading Level: Late Elementary, Middle School

Possible Concerns

• Potty humor. Tastefully done; A spy is described as evacuating at both ends after being forced to drink a laxative. A “silver bullet” comes out of the bottom end, and a message is inside. A marble is swallowed and when it comes out is no longer the favorite.
• Romance. There is mention of grown ups snogging (kissing), a few loaded glances, and a boy tells the main character he likes her. Eventually they work out these two young teens admit they have a crush, and say that now they will be “better friends” and hold hands. It is all extremely tastefully done.
• War peril. Bombings, loved ones lost, rationing. Planes shot down, escapes, spies, treason threats, and hiding in a bomb shelter.

Overall I’d recommend this for 10 and up, as long as the reader can handle some suspense and a touch of the tough casualties of war.