The Brightwood Code

This gripping historical thriller plunges readers into the overlooked world of the Hello Girls, the female switchboard operators who served on the World War I front lines, where protagonist Edda's mastery of secret connection codes becomes both her weapon and her burden. Monica Hesse masterfully illuminates this hidden corner of history while crafting a tense narrative that explores the unique brutalities faced by women in a war dominated by men, blending meticulous research with relentless pacing that will keep young adult readers turning pages late into the night.

What makes this novel particularly compelling is its dual focus on both the adrenaline-fueled danger of wartime code work and the psychological aftermath soldiers face, as the story unfolds seven months after Edda's frontline service, revealing how her memorized codes continue to haunt her present. Teen readers will connect deeply with Edda's resilience and intelligence, while the novel provides a powerful entry point for discussing women's contributions to history and the lasting impact of trauma. Hesse delivers not just a suspenseful code-breaking adventure but a poignant examination of courage that lingers long after the final page.