The Bletchley Riddle is an engaging middle-grade/young adult histfic story with sides of intrigue, mystery, and adventure.

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Middle-Grade Literature, Siblings, Friendship, WWII, London (Bletchley Park)

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My Summary of The Bletchley Riddle:

Thanks #NetGalley @PenguinKids for a complimentary e ARC of #TheBletchleyRiddle upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Nineteen-year-old Jakob and his fourteen-year-old sister Lizzie are on their own since their mother’s death. Both of them share a love for riddles and puzzles. Jakob’s teacher recommends him to Bletchley Park, the highly secret center near London for WWII codebreakers. While Jakob works with the codebreakers, his quirky, stubborn, and highly inquisitive sister is determined to solve the mystery of their mother’s death.

“I am Elizabeth “Lizzie” Novis. Despite my good intentions, I often blunder, misstep, and stumble. And to be perfectly straightforward, let’s state the obvious: I am the candidate most likely to violate the Official Secrets Act. And I will be convicted of treason when I do.”

My Thoughts:

MG or YA?

It seems that The Bletchley Riddle is marketed for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12). However, with protagonists that are 19 and 14, it might be more suited for young YA readers. I believe there is a need for more books for readers who have aged out of middle-grade reads but are not quite ready for the more mature content of YA. This book fits that “inbetweeners” reading category perfectly. For now though, I will say that this book might appeal to mature MG or young YA. If you are a parent of readers who are transitioning from MG to YA, do you (or your child/children) have difficulty finding appropriate reads? You can trust these two authors!

Mystery and Adventure

Young readers who appreciate mystery and adventure will find lots to love here as we solve riddles and follow clues alongside Lizzie. She’s impulsive, and this lands her in some precarious situations. I think that the conclusion feels more appropriate for YA than MG.

Reading Extensions

Some background knowledge of Bletchley Park might enhance the reading experience for young readers. I’ve read enough books set there that I have a good idea of the significant and vital work conducted, but the story doesn’t provide many details for readers. An explanatory prelude might have helped build understanding and context. Students interested in puzzles and codebreaking will find the history of Bletchley Park fascinating. (see author notes)

Siblings and Friendships

Jakob has heavy responsibilities working at Bletchley Park and caring for his sister. I think chapters from his perspective might be interesting. However, the story is from Lizzie’s perspective because it’s geared towards MG. The brother/sister relationship is endearing and complicated as Jakob works full time in a pressure-filled environment and (reluctantly) supports Lizzie’s quest to discover the truth about their mother’s death. The story includes friendships as well. Lizzie’s friendship with Colin has gentle and sweet romantic overtones (which will appeal to a YA).

Content Consideration: abandonment, absent parents

Recommending The Bletchley Riddle

Fans of Ruta Sepetys will enjoy this new venture with writing partner, Steve Sheinkin. Mature MG and younger YA readers who are interested in WWII, riddles, puzzles, and mysteries might find The Bletchley Riddle appealing. It’s perfect for the “inbetweeners”!

I’m a Sepetys completist, but I haven’t read Sheinkin’s work.

Related: More YA books by Ruta Sepetys: I Must Betray You (my fav of hers!), Salt to the Sea, Fountains of Silence. My favorite (adult) fiction book about Bletchley Park is The Rose Code by Kate Quinn.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Meet the Authors of The Bletchley Riddle, Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Ruta Sepetys (rutasepetys.com) is an internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages. Her novels Between Shades of Gray, Out of the Easy, Salt to the Sea, The Fountains of Silence, and I Must Betray You have won or been shortlisted for more than forty book prizes, and are included on more than sixty state award lists. Between Shades of Gray was adapted into a graphic novel, and the film Ashes in the Snow, and her other novels are currently in development for TV and film. She is also the author of You: The Story. A Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Ruta is passionate about the power of history and literature to foster global awareness and connectivity. She has presented to NATO, to the European Parliament, in the United States Capitol, and at embassies worldwide. Ruta was born and raised in Michigan and now lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @RutaSepetys, and on Facebook at facebook.com/RutaSepetys

Steve Sheinkin is the acclaimed author of fast-paced, cinematic nonfiction histories, including Impossible Escape, Fallout, Undefeated, Born to Fly, The Port Chicago 50, and Bomb. His accolades include a Newbery Honor, three Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards, a Sibert Medal and Honor, and three National Book Award finalist honors. He lives in Saratoga Springs, New York, with his wife and two children. He can be found online at SteveSheinkin.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveSheinkin and on Facebook at facebook.com/Steve.Sheinkin.

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QOTD:

Is this middle-grade title on your TBR or have you read it?

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