Can You Crack the Code?: A Fascinating History of Ciphers and Cryptography - Hardcover

Schwartz, Ella

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1681195143 ISBN 13: 9781681195148

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2019

Synopsis

Winner of the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books
2021 NCTE Mathical Book Prize Honor Book for Grades 6-8
"Codes can carry big secrets! Throughout history, lots of good guys and lots of bad guys have used codes to keep their messages under wraps. This fun and flippable nonfiction features stories of hidden treasures, war-time maneuverings, and contemporary hacking as well as explaining the mechanics behind the codes in accessible and kid friendly forms. Sidebars call out activities that invite the reader to try their own hand at cracking and crafting their own secret messages. This is the launch of an exciting new series that invites readers into a STEM topic through compelling historical anecdotes, scientific backup, and DIY projects."--

About this title

About the Author

Ella writes fiction and nonfiction books for young readers. She is always asking questions and trying to learn new things. The books she writes are for kids who are just as curious as she is.

In addition to writing books, Ella is a cybersecurity warrior interfacing with the U.S. federal government on strategic technology initiatives. She has a bachelor's and master's degree in engineering from Columbia University.

When she's not working, writing, or training to run a marathon, she volunteers on outreach initiatives to promote women in science and improve science literacy.

Ella lives on Long Island, New York with her husband and three sons. Her favorite color is pink, but there is rarely anything pink in her house.

Visit Ella on her website, ellasbooks.com. Follow her on Twitter @ellaschwartz and Facebook facebook.com/EllaSchwartzAuthor/

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Lily Williams grew up in Northern California, where she graduated with high distinction from California College of the Arts with a BFA in animation. Her books for children include If Sharks Disappeared and If Polar Bears Disappeared.

Williams seeks to inspire change in the world, engage audiences, and educate all ages in her practice of visual development, illustration, and animation. Her work can be seen in film, print, and classrooms around the world, and has been used to get legislation passed in the United States Senate.

Reviews

Gr 4–8-Schwartz provides a comprehensive and intriguing overview of cryptography, encryption, hacking, and cybersecurity. Beginning with simply coded messages and ciphers, the book follows the logical development of increasingly sophisticated codes throughout historical and contemporary use. Readers are given the opportunity to learn and practice real codes, as well as ways to explore how ciphers and encryption techniques are currently used by the military, secret service, businesses, and even sports teams. Math connections are included as the book demonstrates how computerized encryption utilizes prime numbers of mind-boggling size. Schwartz also explains common cybersecurity techniques such as second-factor authentication and biometrics. Illustrations and photographs clarify the concepts presented. The book concludes with a code-breaking challenge which directs readers to clues scattered throughout the chapters (not seen). This book will prove fascinating to young readers interested in history, technology, math, mysteries, and espionage. Its coverage of codes from the simple to the complex makes it accessible to upper elementary students while still being challenging and thought-provoking for middle school readers. The inclusion of stories about famous codes yet to be deciphered is especially engaging. Of particular value is the discussion about the ethics of information privacy. VERDICT Covers all the bases of an interesting and timely subject; a worthy addition to any collection, particularly where STEM topics are popular.-Kelly Jahng, South Park Elementary School, IL

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1681195143
• ISBN 13: 9781681195148
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 128
• Illustrator: Williams Lily