The Enigma Girls

How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II

De: Candace Fleming

Narrado por: Moira Quirk

"You are to report to Station X at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, in four days time....That is all you need to know." This was the terse telegram hundreds of young women throughout the British Isles received in the spring of 1941, as World War II raged. As they arrived at Station X, a sprawling mansion in a state of disrepair surrounded by Spartan-looking huts with little chimneys coughing out thick smoke—these young people had no idea what kind of work they were stepping into. Who had recommended them? Why had they been chosen? Most would never learn all the answers to these questions.

Bletchley Park was a well-kept secret during World War II, operating under the code name Station X. The critical work of code-cracking Nazi missives that went on behind its closed doors could determine a victory or loss against Hitler's army. Amidst the brilliant cryptographers, flamboyant debutantes, and absent-minded professors working there, it was teenaged girls who kept Station X running. Some could do advanced math, while others spoke a second language. They ran the unwieldy bombe machines, made sense of wireless sound waves, and sorted the decoded messages. They were expected to excel in their fields and most importantly: know how to keep a secret.

Candace Fleming is the award-winning and highly acclaimed author of Crash from Outer Space, The Curse of the Mummy, and many other nonfiction books for young listeners. With her canny and compelling narrative voice she makes history come alive. Thick with tension and suspense, this is an extraordinary and relatively unknown story of World War II that will fascinate listeners who will be thrilled to see young people playing such an important role in the wartime effort.

©2024 Candace Fleming (P)2024 Scholastic Inc.

Amazingly detailed, yet “decipherable” for younger readers

I was amazed at how detailed and accurate Fleming‘s account was in this book. It is a fantastic story for any World War II buffs, and while boys will enjoy reading about the war and the work at Bletchley Park, this book will stand as a beacon for young girls who want to help do their part in intelligence, coding, and deciphering. Especially strong are the sections that explain how to understand codes, ciphers, and how they work. The step-by-step guides offered among the stories will capture the imagination of young readers. Excellent book and narration.

Such a cool story

I loved learning about how these women, most teens, helped to break codes and further the war effort. This story was easy to get wrapped up in. Well told and interesting from start to finish.

The Enigma Girls

It was amazing. The story was so catching to the readers mind. I loved this book

storyline

Just amazing. I really enjoyed the way that the emotions were expressed. overall very impressed