Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

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In this historical fiction  novel, Julie (code name Verity) is a Scottish aristocrat and a special agent translator who is captured by the Nazi regime. In jail, she is tortured and forced to write down everything she knows about about the airplanes, airfields, and codes of the British forces. She tells the story of how she met her best friend Maddie, who found a way to become a female pilot and flew the plane that dropped Julie off in occupied France before she was captured and Maddie's plane crashed. Maddie is found and hidden by French resistance forces. When she hears that Julie is still alive Maddie attempts to help rescue her from the Nazis. During the rescue attempt, things go awry and Maddie hears Julie use specific code words which ask Maddie to shoot her. Maddie heartbreakingly does as she is asked, because she knows Julie is suffering and does not want to reveal anything else to the Nazis. 

Grades 9 and up. 


Weins, E. (2012). Code name Verity.  New York, NY: Hyperion.

Lesson plans 

Book trailer