Alvin's Secret Code (Puffin Novel) [Paperback]

Clifford Hicks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Series: Puffin Novel

The Alvin Fernald books have delighted children for close to forty years. These funny, fast-paced mysteries featuring inventor and ace detective Alvin are just right for fans of Encyclopedia Brown and Homer Price--and, now, a new generation of readers. When Alvin and Shoie find a secret message, they first try to break the code themselves. Then, they visit a man who knows more about codes and ciphers than anyone in town: Mr. Link, a former spy. He teaches them--and readers--how to be ace decoders. Soon they're using their skill to solve a dangerous mystery! Clifford B. Hicks originally wrote the Alvin Fernald stories for and about his three sons. The books were the basis of two Disney television specials. Clifford Hicks and his wife live in Brevard, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141300558
• ISBN-13: 978-0141300559
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,765,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Alvin book!, February 19, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Elmhurst, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alvin's Secret Code (Puffin Novel) (Paperback)

I am the author's son. I was about the same age as Alvin is in the book when my Dad wrote this. We both shared a fascination with codes and ciphers and spent time challenging each other, etc. This book grew out of that fascination. This is my favorite of my Dad's many children's books and remains a "good read" today. The field of cryptography has changed greatly with the advent of computers, but kids still enjoy protecting their secrets and trying to "crack" those of their friends. Although I may be a bit biased, I give this my highest rating! -- Dave Hicks

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb children's book and introduction to cryptography., November 6, 1999

By 

Monkeyboy (Oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alvin's Secret Code (Puffin Novel) (Paperback)

This is one of my favorite books from childhood. I think of it often and it has even had a positive influence on my career. I am delighted to see that it is still in print. This book is an excellent choice for inquisitive young people.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A friend for a shy child, June 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Alvin's Secret Code (Hardcover)

Alvin Fernald, the reckless and nourishing child of this children's book by Clifford B. Hicks, is seeking adventure in Riverton. I was read Clifford B. Hick's first book in the fourth grade. 'Alvin's Secret Code' is the second in a series of books that range from overseas travel to cleaning up our planet. Each reveals a message to its young readers. Alvin, Willfred Shoemaker, and his young sister Daphne, embark on an adventure into secret agentry and buried treasure. Alvin and his friends stumble onto a mysterious situation. A distant relative of a Confederate spy seeks to solve a code he thinks will lead him to a treasure. Unless Alvin and his friends can beat him to it! This story and all the Alvin Fernald books have a special charm. Alvin Fernald was my friend and still is. His stories and adventures will live on. Bravo! Mr. Hicks.