Customer Reviews

The Cryptoclub: Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes

5 star:		(6)
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This is an engrossing story with terrific illustrations. Even kids who think they do not like math will enjoy this charming book. We especially enjoyed learning a little about the history of secret codes as we read the book.

This is not a cheap item, but worth every penny: the book provides a thorough introduction to fundamental concepts in cryptography, presented in the context of a narrative about a group of friends. The book is highly structured, and the reader progresses with each successive chapter from simple Cesar ciphers, to more complex codes. Detailed descriptions of each cipher (and its history) are supplemented by examples, fact boxes, and exercises. The later chapters contain an introduction to modular arithmetic. Math-related themes are highlighted throughout, hence its subtitle.

I used this book with my ten-year-old son, who was captivated by Vignere ciphers, while the chapter on modular ciphers proved too lengthy for an afternoon's entertainment. Cesar and substitution ciphers may be usefully combined with a lesson on simple PERL scripts, to take the pain out of en- or decoding each letter individually in longer messages.

Summing up: highly recommended for ages 10 and up.

My son takes classes from the CTY program at John Hopkins University and this was a required book. Little did I know he was going to enjoy it and read the book before his class started! My son loved solving the puzzles, reading the stories and finished his class at CTY in a matter of weeks. This book presents the Cryptology material in a fun way that makes kids (ages 8-12) enjoy it and want to keep going. He would not put the book down. This is definately a keeper.
The book is pricey (for my 9 yr old)- I think I paid $33.00 but I guess in the land of 'textbooks' that is a steal.

I purchased this book for my son as part of the required text for a summer program bridging 6th and 7th grade. We both loved it. Beginning with the most basic of concepts, the book then guides the novice into ever more challenging territory. Yet, the material is still presented in a fashion that is accessible to all. I found this to be the perfect introduction for a child interested in something different than the routine algebraic problems handed out at this age group. There are problems that need to be solved so be prepared to do some homework though. Overall, an excellent text for children.

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My homeschooled daughter recently finished working through this book, and now has her "public key" posted above her bed. The Cryptoclub is refreshing on many levels: for a younger child to be exposed to relatively challenging math in an applied context is inspiring. While the math is challenging in the latter half of the book, it is presented such in a manner to make it accessible to middle school students.