Left "W" frame with author Laurie Wallmark; right "M" frame with illustration of Elizebeth Friedman.

Brave Girls Virtual Storytime: Code Breaker, Spy Hunter

Calling all Brave Kids! Join the National Women’s History Museum’s Brave Girls Virtual Storytime and author Laurie Wallmark as she reads her 2021 picture book, Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars. Following the reading, Laurie will participate in a live Q&A with the audience!

About the Book from The Ivy Bookshop:

Decode the story of Elizebeth Friedman, the cryptologist who took down gangsters and Nazi spies

In this picture book biography, young readers will learn all about Elizebeth Friedman (1892–1980), a brilliant American code breaker who smashed Nazi spy rings, took down gangsters, and created the CIA’s first cryptology unit. Her story came to light when her secret papers were finally declassified in 2015. From thwarting notorious rumrunners with only paper and pencil to “counter-spying into the minds and activities of” Nazis, Elizebeth held a pivotal role in the early days of US cryptology. No code was too challenging for her to crack, and Elizebeth’s work undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. Extensive back matter includes explanations of codes and ciphers, further information on cryptology, a bibliography, a timeline of Elizebeth’s life, plus secret messages for young readers to decode.

Please note: The National Women’s History Museum strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. For questions, or to request accommodations such as an ASL interpreter or closed captioning, please email [email protected] at least 7 days in advance of the program.