The Secret Agent Training Manual: How to Make and Break Top Secret Messages

Publishing simultaneously with the first two books in the Secret Agents Jack and Max Stalwart series, a spin-off of Hunt’s Secret Agent Jack Stalwart chapter books, this informative workbook highlights more than 25 cryptographic techniques. A wide-ranging introductory section traces cryptography to the ancient Greeks and documents the use of codes and ciphers through history. Hunt then shows readers how to make and use invisible ink, perfect their mirror writing, and hide messages in crossword puzzles. More detail-oriented challenges come in the form of letter, number, and symbol ciphers that readers can practice both deciphering and creating. Fans of Hunt’s spy series are a natural audience, but any readers with an interest in codes and ciphers should be intrigued by this accessible introduction. Ages 7–12. (July)