Customer Reviews

Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes, Ciphers, and Secret Writing

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The book is well written and well illustrated. I think it would work best for kids from about 12 to 14. It starts with basic codes, and moves to more complicated ones, but always makes how they function quite clear. I list the ages to give a sensibility of the book; it is not "dumbed down". The book could be used by younger kids with some adult help, or for kids who are really interested. It would also be a good starting point for high school students.

It tries hard to be as interactive as possible, always posing questions. It is a "practical" book, focusing on codes that students can use, as opposed to trying to be say a history book, that would delve deeply into say the WW II Enigma code. From the rating, you can tell I enjoyed it.

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.

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.

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!

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 has carried this book around and travels with it. He loves writing codes and making us decipher them. Excellent book! Codes are described well.

Bought this as gift for 5th grader who loves spy stuff and codes
Very fun and educational at the same time.

This is part of a birthday package for my eight year old grandson. I'm always looking for items which will spark his imagination. This should do it!

Purchased for 11 year old son. We have had this book for about a month and he loves coming back to it! We are trying out different codes and ciphers (I never knew the difference before), leaving messages for each other. He is homeschooling this year and we are looking for ways to add interest and variety to his days--this book definitely succeeds.

This was one so several books I bought to help me with an espionage unit I am doing in my classroom. This book was helpful with the codes we did. I enjoyed reading it.