Common Sense Media Review
Dazzling, absorbing WWII historical novel cracks the code.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The relationship between 19-year-old Jakob Novis and his younger sister Lizzie is put to the ultimate test in THE BLETCHLEY RIDDLE. Both are obsessed with puzzles, riddles, word games, and uncovering mysteries—which lands both of them in opposite positions at the book's start. Jakob takes a job as a code breaker in the elusive Bletchley Park alongside Alan Turing and other genius minds all attempting to crack the Nazi's Enigma cipher. Lizzie narrowly escapes her Gran's plan to relocate her to the United States, tracks down her brother in England, and promptly starts her own search for their disappeared mother—who seemingly left some clues behind. Now Jakob and Lizzie have to work as a team to get the answers they need, and quickly ... before more menacing officials beat them to it.
Is It Any Good?
An engaging premise with just the right amount of mystery, The Bletchley Riddle is both an entertaining and educational read. Its major strength lies in its authors' decision to highlight a specific branch of World War II efforts that hasn't gotten a whole lot of focus in other war stories: the code breakers that made up the staff of England's Bletchley Park in 1940. The protagonists are 19-year-old Jakob and his 15-year-old sister Lizzie, who both charge headfirst into the respective mysteries they're dying to solve. Their characters make excellent gateways into this specific time and place. And it's fun to be in their heads: Their POVs alternate with each chapter, which offers several exciting cliffhangers for the reader, since many scenes take place simultaneously. The minor characters, particularly Marion and Colin, help reveal layers of complexity in the main characters and move the story forward in unexpected ways.
The book does suffer a bit from slow pacing, particularly in the first half. There are scenes that drag, and others that happen too quickly for deep emotional impact. But overall, young readers who appreciate a mystery (with a hearty amount of adventure woven in) will find lots to keep them entertained in this book—and will likely learn something new, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teamwork. How do Jakob, Lizzie, Colin, Marion, and Nigel work together to reach their shared and individual goals?
Willa shows a lot of courage throughout the story, particularly in stressful situations. Do you think you would make similar decisions if faced with the same problem? Why, or why not?
Lizzie is determined to not give up on her search, even when it seems hopeless. What can you learn from her perseverance?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : STEM , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 8, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 385
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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