Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes, Ciphers, and Secret Writing
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Book Overview
History, trivia, and interesting code-breaking tales are compiled in a guide book to the world of secret writing, their deciphers, and the impact such correspondents have had throughout the years.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0763609714
ISBN13:9780763609719
Release Date:April 2004
Publisher:Candlewick Press (MA)
Length:136 Pages
Weight:1.29 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 7.1" x 9.2"
Age Range:9 to 12 years
Grade Range:Grades 4 to 7
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Not too old for a 6-year-old
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Although this book seems to be recommended for middle schoolers, I bought it for my just-turned 6-year-old son as a birthday gift. We had initially checked it out from our library and he absolutely loved it. Expect to find page upon page of engaging codes and ciphers. Parents are forewarned! Arm yourself with the patience to solve the numerous scribbled codes your kids are going to bring you. Fabulous book. I'm so glad we got our own copy. Another book I'd recommend is Martin Gardner's Codes, Ciphers and Secret Writing.
It's No Secret, This Book is Great
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Last summer my son decided he wanted to have spy club, so we looked through every book we could searching for information on how to be a spy. This book had the most thorough treatment of codes, ciphers and the like. It had plenty of activities that I felt like I could set up for the kids and that they could work on their own. This summer we bought the book because we want to reference it so much. Even Mom and Dad like this book.
My son loves this book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
My son has carried this book around and travels with it. He loves writing codes and making us decipher them. Excellent book! Codes are described well.
Onderfulay!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Wonderful! I like the way this book tells you (in understandable English) how secret codes were invented and how to write with them. The codes go through commonly heard codes and codes you have probably never heard of and can probably not find. No problems withe the book and the sneaky cover and title make kids like me want to read it!
isthay ookbay asway eatgray
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I bought this book for my 11-year-old brother for his birthday. The youngest of five, he's an understandably secretive kid; so I thought he'd enjoy this sneaky book. Of course, I had to read it first, because I'm one of those dastardly people who reads books before giving them to people. It's a great book; it gives a quick overview of the history of cyphers, but keeps it upbeat and snappy. It includes a dozen or more codes to learn and use, and encourages kids to be imaginative and modify them or create their own. A great, hands-on read. It made me wish I was a kid again with lots of time on my hands so I could write secret messages to my friends.
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