Shapiro, Stephen & Forrester, Tina. Ultra hush-hush; espionage and special missions - Brief Article - Young Adult Review - Book Review

(Outwitting the Enemy: Stories from the Second World War). Firefly. 96p. illus, maps. index, c2003. 1055037-778-7. $14.95. SA

WW II was an important milestone for espionage, not only for the Allied Forces, but also for those representing the Axis nations. Military history researchers Stephen Shapiro and Tina Forrester bring to life the resourcefulness of the many spies working to achieve victory for both sides. Readers are able to relive the action that spies such as British agents Juan Pujol Garcia, Eddie Chapman. and Elyesa Bazna, Italian frogman Durand de la Penne, and German commander Otto Skorzeny encountered on a daily basis. Other Axis special missions revealed include tales of the numerous commandos from Germany's Brandenburg Regiment and the German glider pilots from Group Granite. Additional Allied special missions discussed are the exploits of members of Britain's Special Air Service Brigade and Special Operations Executive, American and Canadian paratroopers, and the Navajo code talkers.

David Craig's dramatic illustrations, along with colorful maps and b/w photographs from the front lines, supplement the text. Shapiro and Forrester include sufficient background information to help readers truly grasp the significant part espionage played in the war. Readers will benefit from the way this book is organized and will utilize the table of contents, glossary, and index to help locate specific information. Ultra Hush Hush is a great additional resource for any study of WW II. Jennifer Baldwin, Middle School Teacher, Stella, MO

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group