Description

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.

Publisher Review

"This up-close glimpse at the historical figure's inner circle and last days centers an unnervingly calm protagonist maintaining an elaborate ruse while navigating the increasingly dangerous streets of Berlin, where knowing who is friend and foe determines survival." - Publishers Weekly "Fascinating and riveting, especially for history buffs and spy aficionados." - Kirkus Reviews "A page-turner, particularly for readers intrigued by WWII." - Booklist "Middle school historical fiction enthusiasts...should find this intriguing." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Give to historical fiction lovers and purchase where WWII stories are popular." - School Library Journal