Families who loved The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is feeling powerless in the face of global or social injustice and needs to see how young people can enact change through intelligence and bravery. It is a sophisticated historical thriller set in 1940s Scotland, following three teens, including a young woman of Jamaican heritage, who discover a German Enigma machine. The story tackles complex themes of grief, racism, and moral responsibility during wartime. While it features intense moments of aerial combat and the realities of the Blitz, it is highly appropriate for mature readers aged 12 and up who enjoy puzzles and history. Parents will appreciate how it emphasizes that every individual, regardless of their background or age, has a vital role to play in the fight for what is right.