Book Flood Podcast (E18): Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin on “The Bletchley Riddle”

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“The Bletchley Riddle,” written by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, is a stunning collaboration between two bestselling authors. It is a “…middle grade historical adventure which follows two siblings at Bletchley Park, the home of World War II codebreakers, as they try to unravel a mystery surround their mother’s disappearance.”

Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin are both well-known authors, particularly for their works in historical fiction and non-fiction aimed at young adult audiences.

Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys is an internationally acclaimed author, best known for her historical fiction novels that explore lesser-known, often forgotten events of history. She has a talent for bringing untold stories to light, particularly focusing on the impact of World War II and its aftermath. Her books often deal with themes of resilience, survival, and the human cost of war.

Some of her most notable works include:

“Between Shades of Gray” (2011): This novel, which was later re-titled “Ashes in the Snow” in some regions, tells the story of a Lithuanian girl, Lina, and her family who are deported to Siberian labor camps by the Soviet regime during World War II. It’s a haunting story of survival and the brutality of Stalin’s purges.
“Out of the Easy” (2013): Set in New Orleans in the 1950s, this book follows Josie, a young girl trying to escape her troubled past and make a better future for herself, while navigating the dangers of the city’s criminal underworld.
“Salt to the Sea” (2016): This novel focuses on the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II and the fates of the refugees aboard the doomed ship. It delves into the human experience of war and the often overlooked Eastern European perspective.
“I Must Betray You” (2022): This book is set in 1989 Romania during the final days of the Communist regime under Nicolae Ceaușescu, and follows a teenager, Cristian, who is forced to spy on his friends and family to protect his own life.

Ruta Sepetys’ books are praised for their emotional depth and historical accuracy, and she has received numerous awards for her work, including the William C. Morris Award for a debut YA, as well as being a New York Times bestseller.

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The Bletchley Riddle

Hardcover Book
Sepetys, Ruta (Author)
English (Publication Language)
400 Pages – 10/08/2024 (Publication Date) – Viking Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

Steve Sheinkin

Steve Sheinkin is an American author known for his non-fiction books aimed at young readers, often focusing on historical events and figures. His writing is known for being engaging, fast-paced, and packed with interesting details that make history come alive for readers.

Some of his most popular books include:

“Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon” (2012): This book details the development of the atomic bomb during World War II, covering both the scientific breakthroughs and the espionage that took place around the bomb’s creation. It won several prestigious awards, including the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction.
“The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery” (2010): This book tells the story of Benedict Arnold, the American Revolutionary War hero who became a notorious traitor. Sheinkin’s approach blends adventure and historical analysis to highlight Arnold’s complex character.
“Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team” (2017): This is the story of Jim Thorpe and the first Native American football team at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. It explores themes of race, identity, and sportsmanship.
“The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights” (2014): This book tells the story of a group of African American sailors who were involved in a mutiny after a deadly explosion at the Port Chicago Naval base during World War II, highlighting issues of racial discrimination and civil rights.

Sheinkin’s books are often praised for their gripping storytelling, making complex historical events accessible and engaging to young readers. He has received multiple YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) awards, and his works are commonly used in classrooms to introduce students to historical topics in an entertaining way.

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