Codebreaker
Author: Jay Martel
Following the mysterious deaths of her parents, Mia, 17, follows the clues left by her father. Aided by Logan, they try to outwit the conspirators on her trail.
Our Young Reviewer Says:
I really enjoyed Codebreaker because it made history and science feel exciting and easy to understand, especially through the story of the protagonist, whose intelligence and determination stood out in every chapter.
The plot of Codebreaker kept me engaged because it combined suspense and mystery with the high-stakes reality of WWII, making the story both thrilling and believable. The setting added depth, giving a vivid sense of the time period, while the language was clear and compelling, making complex ideas like cryptography accessible without losing their intrigue.
I connected with the main character, whose intelligence, determination, and resourcefulness made them easy to admire. Throughout the story, the character grows significantly, evolving from self-doubt to confidence and resilience, learning to trust their instincts and think creatively when faced with difficult challenges.
This growth, combined with the well-crafted plot and setting, made the book not only enjoyable but also meaningful, showing how perseverance and ingenuity can make a difference even in the most daunting circumstances. Overall, it was the mix of history, problem-solving, and suspense that made it a story I won’t forget.
–Riya, age 14, Belmont, MA
Young people who are interested in reviewing are invited to do so as we welcome the individual perspective of our age-appropriate readers. If you are interested in being a reviewer, contact youngreviewers@bankstreet.edu
See our Monthly Picks Archive 2012–2018, and our Monthly Picks 2019–present.