Faceless [9780062693327]

Overview

Newbery Honor winner Kathryn Lasky, author of the Guardians of Ga’hoole series, delivers a riveting adventure about young British spies on a secret mission in Germany in WWII. 

“Fascinating and riveting, especially for history buffs and spy aficionados.” —Kirkus

“A page-turner, particularly for readers intrigued by WWII.” —Booklist

“With a well-detailed historical backdrop and a puzzling familial mystery, this novel delivers intrigue.” —Publishers Weekly

Over the centuries, a small clan of spies called the Tabula Rasa has worked ceaselessly to fight oppression. They can pass unseen through enemy lines and “become” other people without being recognized. They are, essentially, faceless. 

Alice and Louise Winfield are sisters and spies in the Tabula Rasa. They’re growing up in wartime England, where the threat of Nazi occupation is ever near. But Louise wants to live an ordinary life and leaves the agency. Now, as Alice faces her most dangerous assignment yet, she fears discovery, but, most of all, she fears losing her own sister.

This upper middle grade novel is a mix of espionage and historical adventure and will appeal to fans of Elizabeth Wein and Ruta Sepetys. Lasky masterfully spins a tale filled with mystery, suspense, and intrigue that will have readers hooked.

Faceless is also a springboard for the study of Word War II, with special interest to classrooms that would like to teach subjects such as Hitler, the Nazi regime, and anti-Nazi resistance.

As Alice goes deeper behind enemy lines, can she complete her mission without losing her sister—and herself—in the process?

• Sisters at War: Alice is a loyal spy for the secret Tabula Rasa. Her older sister, Louise, wants a normal life so badly she’ll undergo surgery to get a new face and leave the world of espionage behind forever.
• A High-Stakes Secret Mission: Now alone, Alice must travel to the heart of Nazi Germany for her most dangerous assignment yet, where a single mistake could mean discovery and failure.
• Historical Fiction for Kids: Perfect for middle grade readers who love action-packed history, this story brings wartime England and the anti-Nazi resistance to vivid life, appealing to fans of Elizabeth Wein and Ruta Sepetys.
• Based on Real WWII Events: This riveting espionage adventure is woven around the real-life Operation Valkyrie, the plot to assassinate Hitler, adding thrilling authenticity to a tale of courage.