lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
A little light on some details, but then, this is written for younger readers. When you think about how many books have been written about people involved with WWII, it's sometimes surprising that there are new stories out there. Virginia Hall's story - from losing half her leg to playing such a critical role in the Resistance - is one that needs to be told, and one that at least one student at my school wants to read as part of her history research projecct.
Because I read an ARC I couldn't tell if the images were ENFYA worthy, but if they are the committee should consider this book.
Because I read an ARC I couldn't tell if the images were ENFYA worthy, but if they are the committee should consider this book.
panda_incognito's review against another edition
2.0
I checked this book out from the library several weeks ago. Fortunately for me, I didn't make time for it until after I had obtained and read the book [b: A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II|40595446|A Woman of No Importance The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II|Sonia Purnell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539165474s/40595446.jpg|63043393], the adult biography about Virginia Hall. I had requested the adult book when I saw it on order in the library catalog, not even realizing that it was about the same spy, and I'm very glad that I got to read it first, because it was a suspenseful, absorbing read that I did not want to put down. If I had read this juvenile biography first, it would have spoiled details of the other book without much emotional payoff or interest.
This biography is passable, I suppose, but reading it in comparison to the adult work highlights all of its flaws. It is written in summary, rather than illuminating scenes of the spy's life, and it introduces lots of different associates without delving into their stories. Because of this, it is hard to keep the many characters and details straight, and even though the book moves forward chronologically through Virginia Hall's story, it references some things out of order to support its summaries and explanations. The other book read like a novel, but this one just explains different times in her life.
Because this American spy who worked in the French Resistance under both British and American organizations is both so extraordinary and so little-known, I'm glad that a juvenile biography exists about her, but it's not a standout by any perspective. I primarily read it to pick up on any new details and to see the many reproduced pictures throughout its pages. If a young person who is interested in learning about this woman can read at an adult level and has a tolerance for reading about the types of violent details that this book geared towards a younger audience sidesteps or suppresses, they should skip this and move straight to the far more thorough, complete, and engaging adult biography.
This biography is passable, I suppose, but reading it in comparison to the adult work highlights all of its flaws. It is written in summary, rather than illuminating scenes of the spy's life, and it introduces lots of different associates without delving into their stories. Because of this, it is hard to keep the many characters and details straight, and even though the book moves forward chronologically through Virginia Hall's story, it references some things out of order to support its summaries and explanations. The other book read like a novel, but this one just explains different times in her life.
Because this American spy who worked in the French Resistance under both British and American organizations is both so extraordinary and so little-known, I'm glad that a juvenile biography exists about her, but it's not a standout by any perspective. I primarily read it to pick up on any new details and to see the many reproduced pictures throughout its pages. If a young person who is interested in learning about this woman can read at an adult level and has a tolerance for reading about the types of violent details that this book geared towards a younger audience sidesteps or suppresses, they should skip this and move straight to the far more thorough, complete, and engaging adult biography.
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance, is a non-fiction history that would work well in a middle school or upper elementary classroom paired with a piece of fiction about spies in WWII or the Cold War. (Teachers: See my blog for the book I recommend pairing this with.)
The emphasis in this true story is more on disguises than on ciphers, as Virginia Hall, with her hollow foot and leg (amputated after a hunting accident), was a master of keeping her true identity hidden.
Hall was an American who worked for both the US and British spy networks during WWII and her unstoppable spirit was truly remarkable.
It's an excellent introduction for American students to the French Resistance, as well.
The publisher offers a free teaching guide.
For the link to the guide, as well as other "spy-related" WWII and Cold War classroom activities, visit my blog: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/blog/paired-texts-wwii-and-cold-war-espionage
I also offer great middle grade book recommendations, additional free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
The emphasis in this true story is more on disguises than on ciphers, as Virginia Hall, with her hollow foot and leg (amputated after a hunting accident), was a master of keeping her true identity hidden.
Hall was an American who worked for both the US and British spy networks during WWII and her unstoppable spirit was truly remarkable.
It's an excellent introduction for American students to the French Resistance, as well.
The publisher offers a free teaching guide.
For the link to the guide, as well as other "spy-related" WWII and Cold War classroom activities, visit my blog: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/blog/paired-texts-wwii-and-cold-war-espionage
I also offer great middle grade book recommendations, additional free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
nerfherder86's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent nonfiction for young readers about a little-known (to me anyway) World War II hero. Virginia Hall worked as a spy first for the British intelligence service and then for the US, in Vichy France. I was fascinated by all of the details of how she coordinated a network of other spies, traveling between many French towns when travel was very difficult; the close calls she had with double agents and having to leave the country quickly when events escalated; and that she did all of this with a prosthetic limb! (In college she had to have her leg amputated below the knee from a shooting accident; it certainly never slowed her down a bit.) It was interesting to see how Virginia's upbringing and education was perfect preparation for spy work, as she was fluent in French, Italian, and German, as well as some Spanish and Russian! And she had the temperament, intelligence and patience for it. After the war she went on to have a long career in the CIA, but it was sad to note that she never got to go out in the field again. Great World War II nonfiction book; solid writing; detailed source notes and a biliography for further reading, and lots of photos illustrated throughout.
kateteaching7and8's review against another edition
4.0
@KidLitExchange #partner
Thank you to the @KidLitExchange Network and the publisher for the advance copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance is a YA nonfiction novel about a courageous and determined woman. Virginia grew up on a farm and developed a strong work ethic. Following a hunting accident, she had part of her leg amputated and thereafter wore a prothestic leg, which she referred to as Cuthbert. Virginia, however, did not let this stand in her way. She had traveled through Europe, spoke multiple languages, and worked for the State Department, so when WWII began she wanted to do her part and serve as part of the intelligence community. She began her spy career working for the British in France. She did two tours in France at a great risk to her own life. She eventually moved from British intelligence to U.S. intelligence. Though she never sought out praise or reward, she was issued the Distinguished Service Cross after the war. Following the war, she wanted to continue working in the intelligence community and joined the CIA (after it's creation).
This book was incredibly informative. Virginia is a strong and inspirational woman. Her drive and accomplishments paved the way for the women who came after her (especially at the CIA). I enjoyed that this book drew attention to women and their contributions during WWII. I also enjoyed learning about someone who did such amazing things, but who I'd never heard of before. This was an incredibly informative book and was written in a very informational way. As a middle school teacher, I often look for narrative nonfiction stories for my students as they have a better chance of engaging them and holding their attention. I think this is an excellent book for high school, young adult, and adult readers, but feel that middle school readers may have a more difficult time staying engaged. Overall, though I still highly recommend this book to lovers of history, nonfiction, and WWII.
Thank you to the @KidLitExchange Network and the publisher for the advance copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance is a YA nonfiction novel about a courageous and determined woman. Virginia grew up on a farm and developed a strong work ethic. Following a hunting accident, she had part of her leg amputated and thereafter wore a prothestic leg, which she referred to as Cuthbert. Virginia, however, did not let this stand in her way. She had traveled through Europe, spoke multiple languages, and worked for the State Department, so when WWII began she wanted to do her part and serve as part of the intelligence community. She began her spy career working for the British in France. She did two tours in France at a great risk to her own life. She eventually moved from British intelligence to U.S. intelligence. Though she never sought out praise or reward, she was issued the Distinguished Service Cross after the war. Following the war, she wanted to continue working in the intelligence community and joined the CIA (after it's creation).
This book was incredibly informative. Virginia is a strong and inspirational woman. Her drive and accomplishments paved the way for the women who came after her (especially at the CIA). I enjoyed that this book drew attention to women and their contributions during WWII. I also enjoyed learning about someone who did such amazing things, but who I'd never heard of before. This was an incredibly informative book and was written in a very informational way. As a middle school teacher, I often look for narrative nonfiction stories for my students as they have a better chance of engaging them and holding their attention. I think this is an excellent book for high school, young adult, and adult readers, but feel that middle school readers may have a more difficult time staying engaged. Overall, though I still highly recommend this book to lovers of history, nonfiction, and WWII.
martha_schwalbe's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book is the young adult version of A Woman of No Importance, about Virginia Hall. If I had read this book first, it would have been five stars. It's easily accessible with interesting pictures included.
I think reluctant readers would find the book easily accessible and fast paced.
Readers who enjoy history, espionage, or adventure will enjoy this book.
I think reluctant readers would find the book easily accessible and fast paced.
Readers who enjoy history, espionage, or adventure will enjoy this book.
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