Bibliographic Data: Wein, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. New York: Hyperion, 2012. Print. 9781405258210
Plot Summary: Code Name Verity is set in France, 1943, while it is under occupation by Nazi Forces. Queenie (or “Verity”),is a British spy for the Allied Powers is caught after her plane crashes, and is faced with a daunting decision. She can either tell them everything she knows about her mission and the war efforts or be immediately put to death. The story that follows is one of love, heartache, and fear, written on napkins, hotel paper, and any other scraps of writing material in reach.
Critical Analysis:
The relationship between Queenie and, Maddie is complex, multifaceted, and rich. It is the crux and lifeblood of the story, offering hope and humor in a setting of fear, turmoil, and danger. Getting to learn about each character through the descriptions they pen about one-another adds deeply to the story line, as you feel you really get to know the honest version of the characters. Just as the reader is hooked madly and reading wildly, Maddie picks up writing the story, and it only gets better and better. These strong, loyal, and tough women are enviable, and really great characters to introduce to young women. The manner in which Wein uses them and others to demonstrate women’s effort in the war is important, and should not be overlooked, despite it being done very subtly.
Wein writes Code Name Verity with such honesty and a command of the subject that it almost seems unbelievable that she, herself, is not Queenie or Maddie. Wein makes a special effort to talk about the ins and outs of planes, and flying, as she is also a pilot. This first-hand experience helps readers get a very realistic image of the setting and complexities of flying. She also takes care to give a thorough history of the time period, by discussing Great Britain’s efforts and lead up to the war.
Awards:
Reviews:
Kirkus: 'A carefully researched, precisely written tour de force; unforgettable and wrenching. (Historical fiction. 14 & up)
Manda Scot, Chair of the Historical Writers' Association 'It has been a while since I was so captivated by a character ... Code Name Verity is one of those rare things: an exciting - and affecting - female adventure story.' The Guardian '[a] tale of espionage, torture and female derring-do.' The Times 'It's a compelling, uncompromising read which makes few concessions to the age group it's written for - either in subject matter or narrative technique. The bits about flight and women in the war are well researched and the terrifying, but exciting, atmosphere is good.' The Independant 'This is a remarkable book, which had me horrified and totally gripped at the same time, and although it is billed as a Young Adult title, don't be put off - it is a very grown-up story.' The Daily Mail '... a rare young adult novel entirely about female power and female friendship...' New York Times '[It] does more than stick with me. It haunts me. I just can't recommend it enough.' -- Maggie Stiefvater, bestselling author of Shiver 'This is a rich and rewarding adventure story with multi-layered heroines and complicated emotions. All 450 pages really do fly by. Expect to see Wein's name in the running for the Older Readers Category of the Scottish Children's Book Awards next year.' The Scotsman 'If you want an original read that will challenge your perceptions about truth, lies, bravery and deception, this is one for you.' Sugarscape '... passionate writing with an utterly compelling story.' --
Connections:
This book would be the perfect companion for students learning about WWII. It gives accounts of torture, tragedy, loyalty, and history all without embellishment or even the requisite love story found in so many YA books.
Plot Summary: Code Name Verity is set in France, 1943, while it is under occupation by Nazi Forces. Queenie (or “Verity”),is a British spy for the Allied Powers is caught after her plane crashes, and is faced with a daunting decision. She can either tell them everything she knows about her mission and the war efforts or be immediately put to death. The story that follows is one of love, heartache, and fear, written on napkins, hotel paper, and any other scraps of writing material in reach.
Critical Analysis:
The relationship between Queenie and, Maddie is complex, multifaceted, and rich. It is the crux and lifeblood of the story, offering hope and humor in a setting of fear, turmoil, and danger. Getting to learn about each character through the descriptions they pen about one-another adds deeply to the story line, as you feel you really get to know the honest version of the characters. Just as the reader is hooked madly and reading wildly, Maddie picks up writing the story, and it only gets better and better. These strong, loyal, and tough women are enviable, and really great characters to introduce to young women. The manner in which Wein uses them and others to demonstrate women’s effort in the war is important, and should not be overlooked, despite it being done very subtly.
Wein writes Code Name Verity with such honesty and a command of the subject that it almost seems unbelievable that she, herself, is not Queenie or Maddie. Wein makes a special effort to talk about the ins and outs of planes, and flying, as she is also a pilot. This first-hand experience helps readers get a very realistic image of the setting and complexities of flying. She also takes care to give a thorough history of the time period, by discussing Great Britain’s efforts and lead up to the war.
Awards:
- USBBY 2013 Winner
- A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012
- School Library Journal’s Best Books of the Year 2012
- Booklist Books for Youth Editors’ Choice
- Library Journal’s Best YA Books for Adults
- Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor
- Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year 2012
- Goodreads 2012 Choice Awards Nominee
- UK Literary Association Award Winner
- Edgar Award Winner
- Printz Honor Book
- Shortlisted for the 2013 CILIP Carnegie Award
- Golden Kite Award Honor Book
- Shortlisted for the Scottish Children's Book Award
- Catalyst Book Award Winner (East Lanarkshire County Council, Scotland)
Reviews:
Kirkus: 'A carefully researched, precisely written tour de force; unforgettable and wrenching. (Historical fiction. 14 & up)
Manda Scot, Chair of the Historical Writers' Association 'It has been a while since I was so captivated by a character ... Code Name Verity is one of those rare things: an exciting - and affecting - female adventure story.' The Guardian '[a] tale of espionage, torture and female derring-do.' The Times 'It's a compelling, uncompromising read which makes few concessions to the age group it's written for - either in subject matter or narrative technique. The bits about flight and women in the war are well researched and the terrifying, but exciting, atmosphere is good.' The Independant 'This is a remarkable book, which had me horrified and totally gripped at the same time, and although it is billed as a Young Adult title, don't be put off - it is a very grown-up story.' The Daily Mail '... a rare young adult novel entirely about female power and female friendship...' New York Times '[It] does more than stick with me. It haunts me. I just can't recommend it enough.' -- Maggie Stiefvater, bestselling author of Shiver 'This is a rich and rewarding adventure story with multi-layered heroines and complicated emotions. All 450 pages really do fly by. Expect to see Wein's name in the running for the Older Readers Category of the Scottish Children's Book Awards next year.' The Scotsman 'If you want an original read that will challenge your perceptions about truth, lies, bravery and deception, this is one for you.' Sugarscape '... passionate writing with an utterly compelling story.' --
Connections:
This book would be the perfect companion for students learning about WWII. It gives accounts of torture, tragedy, loyalty, and history all without embellishment or even the requisite love story found in so many YA books.