From School Library Journal Gr 8 Up—In this prequel to Code Name Verity, set in 1938, Julia Beaufort-Stewart, 15, returns home from school in Paris for summer break to unhappy changes. The family's house and land have been sold and are being converted into a school. Julie, finding no one at home to welcome her, heads to the river. The next thing she remembers is waking up in the hospital with a head injury, not knowing what happened. The summer evolves into one of continuing mysteries and new friendships and emotions. One of the workers who has been cataloging the family's collection of antiquities has disappeared. As Julie helps her family pack their belongings, she also feels certain that some of her grandfather's pearls are missing. And then there are the issues between the local constabulary and the Travellers who spend summers on the estate, the dead body—or part of a dead body—and pearl poaching. Adding to her discomfort are her conflicted feelings for Frank, the chief contractor on the renovations, and Ellen, one of the Travellers who rescued her when she was hit on the head. While not as powerful as Code Name Verity, this title is rich in detail, mystery, and emotion. The main plot is compelling and has the added depth of Julie's growth and her interactions with the cast of interesting characters and the hints of her future romantic relationships. VERDICT A must for Verity fans and a good read for those who enjoy mystery with a touch of romance.—Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Denton Read more Review PRAISE FOR BLACK DOVE, WHITE RAVEN* "Wein brings this fascinating period in history to life with several well-engineered plot twists, lots of high-flying, nail-biting tension, and meticulous research."―Publishers Weekly, starred reviewPRAISE FOR ROSE UNDER FIRE* "At once heartbreaking and hopeful, Rose Under Fire will stay with readers long after they have finished the last page."―VOYA, starred reviewPRAISE FOR ROSE UNDER FIRE"Rose Under Fire is bound to soar into the promised land of young adult books read by actual adults-and deservedly so, because Wein's unself-consciously important story is timeless, ageless and triumphant."―The Los Angeles TimesPRAISE FOR ROSE UNDER FIREAccoladesSchneider Family Book Award, Best Teen Book, 2014Top Ten YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2014New York Times Notable Children's Books of 2013 Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2013 School Library Journal's Best Books of 2013Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books of 2013The Children's Book Review Best Young Adult Novels of 2013 NPR Best Books of 2013 BookPage Best Children's Books of 2013Goodreads Choice for Best Young Adult Book of 2013 nominee CILIP Carnegie Medal 2014 nominee A Junior Library Guild Selection2014 Tayshas List Selection [London] Times Best Books of the YearCosta Children's Book Award finalist PRAISE FOR BLACK DOVE, WHITE RAVEN* "Highly recommended for all libraries, especially where her previous titles have flown off the shelves."―School Library Journal, starred reviewPRAISE FOR ROSE UNDER FIRE* "In plot and character this story is consistently involving, a great, page-turning read; just as impressive is how subtly Wein brings a respectful, critical intelligence to her subject."―The Horn Book, starred reviewPRAISE FOR CODE NAME VERITY*"[An] innovative spy tale built to be savored."―Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred reviewPRAISE FOR CODE NAME VERITY*"A carefully researched, precisely written tour de force; unforgettable and wrenching."―Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewPRAISE FOR CODE NAME VERITY"I closed this book feeling I'd met real people I'd never forget. Code Name Verity's characters don't just stick with me-they haunt me. I just can't recommend this book enough."―Maggie Stiefvater, author of the New York Times best-selling Shiver trilogy, The Scorpion Races, and the Raven Cycle seriesPRAISE FOR CODE NAME VERITY"This astonishing tale of friendship and truth will take wing and soar into your heart."―Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times best-selling author of Speak, Fever 1793 and Wintergirls Read more About the Author Elizabeth Wein was born in New York City, grew up abroad, and currently lives in Scotland with her husband and two children. She is an avid flyer of small planes, and holds a PhD in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania. Elizabeth is the author of Code Name Verity, winner of the Edgar Award in the Young Adult category and a Printz Medal Honor Book; Rose Under Fire, winner of the Schneider Family Book Award; and Black Dove, White Raven, winner of the Children's Africana Book Award. Visit her online at www.elizabethwein.com. Read more
N**K
Didn’t love it and there are some things that some parents might want to be aware of
I really like Elizabeth Wein, but this just wasn’t as good as some of her others. Code name Verity and Rose under Fire are both very good books. This was Book was just fine, as far as, the writing is still good, the story is reasonably interesting, but it just didn’t pull me in the way Verity and Tose did. Unfortunately, even though this dealt with an awesome character from Verity, I found myself just not really caring about what was happening. This was unfortunate considering I really cared about what was happening to her character in Verity. A few things some readers may want to be aware of before deciding on this title: (Some spoilers ahead. Nothing that gives sway any huge secret or solves the mystery, but they do spoil some minor events in the book.)There is some attraction between a young girl (15) and an adult man. It is mostly innocent with the girl just flirting. He does eventually show some return attraction in some inappropriate ways. Sometimes much more than others.There is some kissing between two teenaged females. As well as between a teenaged female and another teen girl she does not know that mistakes her for a male who she wants to kiss despite not knowing “him” at all. In both cases the kissing doesn’t go beyond just kissing. However, in one case it lasts for an extended period of time, in a sleepover type of scenario and is more of a makeout thanjust a kiss a simple kiss.There are a few instances of an older man trying to force himself on a younger (teenaged) girl. It does not necessarily state that sex is what the man is after, although in at least one case it is somewhat implied. But it is clear that the men are trying to physically force kissing and other physical contact onto the younger females. The advances are either unwanted or unwanted to the extent that is being pushed by the man. Nothing inappropriate, as far as being graphic or even anything that goes beyond just the attempt to force the girl into unwanted physical contact and unwanted advances takes place.
H**.
Excellent, But Not Sensational.
Code Name Verity is one of my all-time favorite books, and as someone who reads a lot, choosing a favorite is hard, so you know I mean it. I don’t usually like prequels, but I loved CNV so much I couldn’t resist. I was not disappointed. Wein’s cheeky, well-researched, authentic style shines through, and Julia Beaufort-Stuart was recognizable as a voice even “five years earlier” than when we first met her. It was fun to learn more about the character, to get inside her head and see her in her own element, the latter of which you don’t really get from CNV. I’m excited to read CNV again, with this background information.This being said, this novel doesn’t sparkle or snap nearly as much as Code Name Verity. CNV is a phenomenal read; it grips your heart and mind and twists them cruelly and deliciously. The Pearl Thief just doesn’t achieve that, but it still makes excellent use of the mystery genre, which coupled with the reader’s love (hopefully) of Julie, makes for an entertaining read. This book is just fun: it takes a character we haven’t gotten to see enough of and puts her in the midst of a page-turning mystery, with interesting historical and social commentary and a delightful look at Scottish culture to boot. It’s no Code Name Verity, but then again, nothing really is.
R**S
Engrossing, nuanced, well developed characters - this met all my reading requirements
This prequel to Codename Verity by the same author was a deeply satisfying read. I recommend reading Codename Verity first, then The Pearl Thief, completing the series with the stunning Rose Under Fire.The storyline of The Pearl Thief affords subtle and thoughtful perspectives into changing opportunities for girls before and during WW2, with the added enjoyment of high adventure and intrigue. I liked these authentic characters and their relationships with family, and friends, as well as insight into a marginalized society - gypsies - who are little written about, and less appreciated. This book has the added interest of being a true mystery narrated by an adolescent female detective. Loved all three books.
M**K
A true treasure!
This book is just perfect! It is beautifully written - sentences that make you pause and underline. Julie is such an amazing character - perfectly flawed and ultra gifted. Every character in this book is well-drawn and the Scottish scenery is just jaw-dropping. The mystery is unusual - the whole book is unusual and such a treat for the senses! Enjoy this treasure! Elizabeth Wein is one talented lady!
L**.
Great weaving of history into story.
Wein does a great job of capturing the challenges of women during this time in history along with the prejudices that some faced. And despite all that, the characters are immensely lovable and worthy of our connection. I will definitely be looking for more titles from this author. I am not a history buff, so not able to pick out inaccuracies, but the book seemed well researched to me.
S**N
interesting
I really enjoyed how the story took me to another place and time. It is a mystery which I don't think I realized right away.Anyway, a fun read.
N**K
Women's friendships
Elizabeth Wein once again beautifully depicts multiple dimensions and nuance in young women's friendships that are strong, loving, and understanding
J**N
Four Stars
enjoyed "The Pearl Thief". I liked the characters and like Elizabeth Wein's style of writing.
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