The Dark Game: True Spy Stories from Invisible Ink to CIA Moles

by Paul B. Janeczko

Overview

"A wealth of information in an engaging package." — Kirkus Reviews

Ever since George Washington used them to help topple the British, spies and their networks have helped and hurt America at key moments in history. In this fascinating collection, Paul B. Janeczko probes examples from clothesline codes to surveillance satellites and cyber espionage. Colorful personalities, daring missions, the feats of the loyal, and the damage of traitors are interspersed with a look at the technological advances that continue to change the rules of gathering intelligence.
Back matter includes source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763660666
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	09/11/2012
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	535,309
Product dimensions:	5.52(w) x 8.28(h) x 0.63(d)
Lexile:	1200L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

 

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher

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

School Library Journal