Families who loved Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring by Enigma Alberti often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you want to empower a child who feels overlooked or underestimated, or when you are looking to introduce complex history through an engaging, hands-on lens. Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring tells the remarkable true story of an African American woman who used people's prejudices against her to become one of the Union's most effective spies. By pretending to be illiterate and invisible, Mary infiltrated the Confederate White House, proving that quiet observation and sharp intelligence can change the course of history. This interactive mystery is perfect for middle-grade readers who are beginning to grapple with themes of justice, courage, and the weight of systemic inequality. It manages to balance the high stakes of wartime espionage with a sense of agency, allowing the reader to solve puzzles alongside Mary. It is an excellent choice for parents who want to celebrate Black excellence and female bravery while building their child's critical thinking and historical empathy.
