Details: Product Description Winner of the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books "Codes can carry big secrets! Throughout history, lots of good guys and lots of bad guys have used codes to keep their messages under wraps. This fun and flippable nonfiction features stories of hidden treasures, war-time maneuverings, and contemporary hacking as well as explaining the mechanics behind the codes in accessible and kid friendly forms. Sidebars call out activities that invite the reader to try their own hand at cracking and crafting their own secret messages. This is the launch of an exciting new series that invites readers into a STEM topic through compelling historical anecdotes, scientific backup, and DIY projects."-- From School Library Journal Gr 4–8-Schwartz provides a comprehensive and intriguing overview of cryptography, encryption, hacking, and cybersecurity. Beginning with simply coded messages and ciphers, the book follows the logical development of increasingly sophisticated codes throughout historical and contemporary use. Readers are given the opportunity to learn and practice real codes, as well as ways to explore how ciphers and encryption techniques are currently used by the military, secret service, businesses, and even sports teams. Math connections are included as the book demonstrates how computerized encryption utilizes prime numbers of mind-boggling size. Schwartz also explains common cybersecurity techniques such as second-factor authentication and biometrics. Illustrations and photographs clarify the concepts presented. The book concludes with a code-breaking challenge which directs readers to clues scattered throughout the chapters (not seen). This book will prove fascinating to young readers interested in history, technology, math, mysteries, and espionage. Its coverage of codes from the simple to the complex makes it accessible to upper elementary students while still being challenging and thought-provoking for middle school readers. The inclusion of stories about famous codes yet to be deciphered is especially engaging. Of particular value is the discussion about the ethics of information privacy. VERDICT Covers all the bases of an interesting and timely subject; a worthy addition to any collection, particularly where STEM topics are popular.-Kelly Jahng, South Park Elementary School, IL Review "A broad and lucid survey of cryptographic strategies. These range fromsteganography and substitution ciphers to second factor authenticationand other recent trends in cybersecurity. She also provides plenty ofvariously coded examples for readers to decipher as practice, capped by a final challenge to go back and find the clues to a secret message thathave been distributed throughout. Her detailed description of how theGerman Enigma machine worked (and was hacked by the Bletchley Park group in World War II) is indeed "fascinating," as are the close analyses ofstill-unsolved messages such as the modern Kryptos inscription outside CIA headquarters." - Kirkus Reviews "This perennially popular topic leads kids into tales of war and espionage, and to better ways of passing messages in class. Here Schwartz discusses the frequently traveled paths of the Caesar code,Masonic symbols, and the Enigma machine, with lots of opportunity to try one's hand at en- and decryption, and she also explains how encryption is vital to internet security and touches all forms of online and cellular communication. Necessary math concepts used to strengthen passwords are smoothly addressed (and some teachers might be interested in Schwartz's discussion of the practical use of prime numbers), along with such delectable tidbits as an illegal prime number that can unlock DVD encryption. Cartoon illustrations keep things cheery, as does Schwartz's overall optimism concerning cybersecurity and the white hat hacking. For middle-graders interested in the interplay of encryption and their personal security." - Bulletin of the Center for
Author: Schwartz, Ella
Brand: Bloomsbury Childrens
Number Of Pages: 128
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
EAN: 9781681195148
Release Date: 26-03-2019
Package Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
Languages: English
Binding: Hardcover