The Lady Is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance (Scholastic Focus) 12+: Virginia Hall, World War II's Most Dangerous Secret Agent

About this book

The Lady Is a Spy is the audacious and riveting true story of Virginia Hall, America's greatest spy and unsung hero, brought to vivid life by acclaimed author Don Mitchell.

When Hitler invaded Poland, Virginia Hall was traveling in Europe. Which was dangerous enough, but as fighting erupted, instead of returning home, she headed to France. In a country divided by freedom and fascism, Virginia was determined to do her part for the Allies. An ordinary woman from Baltimore, Maryland, she dove into the action, first joining a French ambulance unit and later becoming an undercover agent for both the British Office of Strategic Services and the US Office of Strategic Services. Working as a spy in the intelligence network, she made her way to Vichy, coordinating Resistance movements, assisting in Nazi sabotage, and rescuing downed Allies. She passed in plain sight of the enemy and soon found herself being hunted by the Gestapo. But Virginia cleverly evaded discovery and death, often through bold feats and escapes. Her covert operations, efforts with the Resistance, and risky work as a wireless telegraph operator greatly contributed to the Allies' eventual win.

Reviews

Praise for The Lady Is a Spy
"An intriguing, informative glimpseinto the life of a little-known figure that will appeal to fans of feminist heroes." --Booklist

"Mitchell pulls readers into Hall's story in a compelling narrative that does not skimp on facts... A well-researched, organized, and compelling nonfiction...." --School Library Journal"The breadth of Hall’s missions and her undisputed heroism are on full display here..." --Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

Praise for The Freedom Summer Murders
"A must-read in any young adult study of the civil rights era." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Essential." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"An eye-opening read..." --Booklist

"A timely, essential account, illustrated with contemporary photos and capped with extensive endnotes and source notes." --School Library Journal

Kirkus Prize finalist in the Young Readers' Literature
NAACP Image Award nominee
Cybils Award finalist