Top Secret Files: World War I: Spies, Secret Missions, and Hidden Facts from World War I

By Stephanie Bearce

Flame throwers, spy trees, bird bombs, and Hell Fighters were all a part of World War I, but you won't learn that in your history books! Uncover long-lost secrets of spies like Howard Burnham, "The One Legged Wonder," and nurse-turned-spy, Edith Cavell. Peek into secret files to learn the truth about the Red Baron and the mysterious Mata Hari. Then build your own Zeppelin balloon and mix up some invisible ink. It's all part of the true stories from the Top Secret Files of History. Take a look if you dare, but be careful! Some secrets are meant to stay hidden...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Release date: Dec 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781618212436

Book preview

��:2^book_preview_excerpt.html�X�r���yL��r\N\a�E�,��eǔl>v�!vgV3�����F~/_���3��*��������ӗ��ꦷ�Ƽ��5�lo._�W���W�)���W�:2G�\�*�/_�G���5;M��~oR�1�%5vJd� o5��I�q��ߛ�����̭i]{an��YZC�����!��jM>Q'�y����yф���K?R\:�+�ɷ�}�z��z�������6�/����O���!��m�\2l���� �[��%�h�Λ��Z�hg��ķ��:{� q���e�H�f�KV~b%�`[Jn�U�U�z#�C�����K�ǫ��t�{�F��[���l��̂=�]=���Sqq���m����C��C�j6w��zf�f.�C���b{�|ۄa�^�1(�����k�y���'�� @+^�1����m9�6� �(�Ę��Y��Sm6����@��M,�f�5��Z:�|@��:�i�]�Iގ���$7���o��^T��aB@:���Y�����a@�C<
�z��#×�;XӚ��{�ы!՛�d i����&[�`�8�`Őhlս��� �&W\2&��z������A8}�|0f6��s^�� �c�H㚚�ک׀:�Fj�G�1��h�}�mX����#�^�!l�u��M�ZP��(l����o���-��pq�_���W.�<_�`@�>v�6g(sõ^���C��)(��ŕ�J�`�M)��H��3.k�E�Ђ0~Α�q�R�K���y%�%{��L��4G���e�y܂D͋�U�?L��i)N4mx��5>*��/ �hO�Ϲ�1=0Ϥ.��S"����#n�~v4e�oB�����1 �9-f��e��q�K\���������r��' Kv�N���G4;G9��b*�,ayO:a0N��Jp����ܕ��%�cD U�a�/��apR΅O��B9��}[�TN�S�ڣ-��H9� Ksl�������+�7B�ٱ@̚�� �y҅\t��1�ظ��65sg$��x��'�(/��&�� �S�>�����o��d��7:���}����B\$�����~���-\h�1��.����� ���q�[�LS�2+�s��|��9K�Vi��T�1�������w}G�`noթ?R�BuZ�3�Mx�o>P���U�5��UD���N�[����
O��W����z�^��_�A��}�_CfL��#�5�R�f�T@����[�Y� �`:�%�MM(d&y��^��o�4{�6E�^�ј���lכ_ Oy?�����ԭ��Ag�Aj�.רF�3�L\�J5�3����<7�2K�_迴�%���
l�NJw���ed��j62�LJ��Fn`�q�[���k�AI�f�Ȇ��4p�U�����7�|HE�ϰ���vu,���]|$��ʺѭ��5�~"Xư!��f^/n�m���KEͶ�eXY9鋣p�h�,�]da��ԩs�)v3!2?�/Q��U

Reviews for Top Secret Files

[hermit_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a book on the Civil War in the nonfiction series ‘Top Secret Files‘. This is a well written book with an excellent format for the young reader. Each chapter is very short, informative and interesting that regardless of age the reader will wish to continue reading. Throughout the book are graphics that are engaging and informative as well. Some chapters have projects that young readers can try on their own or with assistance from a parent/adult that shows the practicality of what was described in the chapter. And for the more complex devices, there are links referenced that lead to a video showing how a particular device or process discussed in the chapter worked. A great book on little known facts from the Civil War that every one would enjoy. And a wonderful book for the young reader.

[sadiekaycarver · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was hoping for more from this book. It seemed like it would be an interesting read, but in fact it was a bit boring. The book presented some facts that were unknown to me, but it was also full of things previously known. I gave the book to my 13 year old son, who did find this book interesting. While I wouldn't want another book in this series for me, I do think that it is a good read for kids.

[almab_48 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I would be hard pressed to call the little brochure-like composite a book. Very sparse and probably intended for a really young target audience--perhaps 10 year old children?It was put together like a lunch made up of leftovers you want to clean out of the fridge. Personally, I didn't find anything to catch my attention. I would not recommend it.

[thothj · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It is a basic book written with young kids in mind and it doesn't disappoint in area. I liked the crafts sprinkled throughout and thought that they added a lot to flavor of the book. However, there were several historical errors, rather obvious ones, that do take away some of the enjoyment.

[kdh027 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

For a kid's book, it is pretty informative on the topic at hand -- spies. Not so much on the Civil War. The writing could be clearer, but I would guess a younger person reading it would be more interested in the activities/instructions provided.

[kimpiddington · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author Stephanie Bearce is a former teacher—and it shows—in her creative nonfiction series: Top Secret Files, The Civil War. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Spies, Secret Missions, and Hidden Facts from the Civil War. The book delivers little known facts that are extremely interesting and well researched. (My two favorite sections: Spy, Soldier, Nurse-the story of Sarah Emma Edmonds-who disguised herself as a man in order to serve her country and Widow Greenhow-a spy who meets an untimely end .) The book’s format is appealing-plenty of graphics, pictures, and sidebars to keep the eyes busy and engage young readers. Lastly, there are a variety of projects sprinkled throughout for those that learn by doing. Where was this book when I was teaching?

[carissaburks-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is truly well put together. The author balances everything out and makes sure not to pay more attention or credit to one side or the other. She acknowledges the triumphs and tragedies of both sides in the war. She also celebrates women, children, and blacks that helped out whatever side they believed in.The chapters are short and very approachable. They're interesting and give enough facts without it being overbearing. It's a great supplement, especially when textbooks and history class only tell you so much. The author also includes a few websites or videos for kids to check out if they're more interested in an event or mini project that is in the book. At the end of each section there are two different "Spy Trainings". These can be used to help get a child more interested in history or even more engaged in a classroom. They range from map skills to hiding secret messages in eggs. There's plenty of activities to choose from and most children should be able to find one that looks interesting to them.It is a well structured and thoughtfully organized and executed book. I highly recommend this for teachers or parents, especially those that have kids interested in history or the military. Quick and easy read that makes history fun and approachable!(*Note I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review through Goodreads Giveaways.)

[rosenstern · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I thought the author put history into perspective. The book told about the less known Civil War facts and boy was it fun to read. The writing was great, kept you wanting to read more. It was nothing like reading a history textbook, so don't let the title fool you. Actually, the title's pretty cool too it won't fool anyone. Everything is even in this book. All sides are told about- not just the white man's story. The story of blacks, women and children are included as well. Definitely worth the read- it wasn't that long about 100 pages max.

[mramos_710291 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This a well written and presented book of interesting facts about the U.S. Civil War. A book all would enjoy and perfect for young readers. This is a book I would even suggest as a teachers aid to peak interest in history while teaching history.