Avoid Being a Secret Agent in the Second World War!

You Wouldn't Want to Be ...

by John Malam, Mark Bergin

Avoid Being a Secret Agent in the Second World War

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Juvenile, World War II, Picture Books

Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

John Malam is a British historian, archaeologist, and author of children’s non-fiction books. Trained in Ancient History and Archaeology, he worked on excavations and led an archaeology unit before becoming an editor and later a full-time writer specializing in ancient civilizations.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

These You Wouldn’t Want to Be… books are really nice supplements for students trying to master topics in, depending on the title, American, European, or World History. This particular volume is a very nicely done short book on British intelligence within the Second World War. It details how one individual in exile from France is absorbed into SOE for missions back into Occupied France. As such it details the relationship between the British and the Free French as well as providing information on the German occupation of France.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you want to be a secret agent during World War Two? Well think twice before your answer and read the book. This book has all the facts about the war and how it is being a spy. One fact that I thought was extremely interesting was that thy would put a bomb on a rat ad they would throw it at enemies. If you want to find out more read the book

[carrietracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the look of this book, but felt the content didn't match the interest level. The cute illustrations and set up seemed geared to younger kids who will struggle to understand the intricacies of WWII.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one seemed a bit scary to me. Of course, I wouldn't be the one to do secret missions. I think a lot of kids would like the parts about the gadgets and parachutes, and even the "explosive rat". As always lots of information and great illustrations.

[Colby Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think kids will love how this book is designed. Lots of rich extras to go with the main text.

[Dutchbaby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun full-color presentation in a "you were there" style, but absolutely no sources or bibliography.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Perhaps these real life spies were the inspiration for the spy movies such as James Bond.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a basic introduction to the world of spying in World War II with a format that is engaging and accessible to reluctant readers.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a great survival and secret agent book it taught me a lot about the history of the war. and I think it is a great book for anyone

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also a fun read, the first one I read was You Wouldn't Want to be a Pirate's Prisoner. Informative and soo many pictures to look at.

Ages +8

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book to add to the WWII selections that I use during our unit. Someone could read it rather quickly and bring some additional facts to some of the fiction novels we read like Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz or The Bicycle Spy learning about spies. This book offers a cross between a graphic novel, picture book, and small chapter book. This is definitely an enticing book for middle grade readers.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Factual events from WWII detailing what it took to be a secret agent during WWII behind enemy lines. It tells of the training, and sacrifices that it took to aid in the war efforts in France during Germany's occupation.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the "You Wouldn't Want to Be..." books

[Lauren Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book I thought was interesting and good to be in the classroom to learn more about the war since overall it was a good book

[R Waterfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly interesting, and yeah, I wouldn't want to be a secret agent during World War II! 😆