The Bletchley Riddle

In chapter 2, we are introduced to Lizzie, who immediately declares, “Allow me to explain something. I’m lying.” How do you trust a narrator who tells you that she’s lying? In what ways does Lizzie lie to people in the story?

Gran always calls our heroine by her given name—Elizabeth—proclaiming, “Nicknames such as ‘Lizzie’ are reserved for barmaids and axe murderers, of which you are neither.” What’s the difference between the names Elizabeth and Lizzie? Why does Gran react so strongly to Lizzie’s preference? Do you have nicknames you prefer or dislike?

Presented with the same information, Jakob and Lizzie come to different conclusions about their mother’s fate. In the beginning of the book, are they more alike or different? How is this a source of conflict for the two of them? Does the relationship between Jakob and Lizzie change during the course of the novel? Give examples.

When Jakob and Lizzie return to the apartment in chapter 6, Lizzie finds Willa’s calendar diary under a loose floorboard. Think about your classroom or where you live. If you had to hide something important, what would you hide? Where might you stash your valuables?

In chapter 8, Lizzie and Jakob are boarding the train out of London. “I watch as they emerge, ghostlike, from the shadows, clutching gas masks and items most dear to them. Items they want to save from the Germans. A porcelain teapot. Leather-bound photo albums. A large brass menorah.” The reader infers that these items carry special significance. If you had to leave your home, what would you choose to bring?

The workers at Bletchley Park are assigned specialized tasks that keep the park compartmentalized. Why would government officials adopt this type of organization?

Jakob and Lizzie both sign the Official Secrets Act. Even though they are siblings, there are things they can’t share with each other. How do you feel when people are keeping secrets from you? What do you do about it? How do you stay friends? Would you sign the Official Secrets Act?

In chapter 9, Jakob introduces his sister to the guard, Reg Ribchester. This is the first of several unpleasant interactions between the two young men. How does Jakob and Reg’s relationship change over the course of the story?

In chapter 24, there is a strained interaction between Jarvis and Jakob when Jarvis says, “You’re a Jew, Novis, aren’t you?” How does Jakob respond? Can you identify other instances where Jakob had to confront anti-semitism?

In chapter 26, we learn that Jakob is a member of the Local Defense Volunteers. After his training session, several people make comments criticizing its members. For example, Mr. Berrycloth says of Jakob, “Busy playing games, he is. While the real men are off fighting Hitler.” How does Jakob respond? Why doesn’t he stand up for himself? Why do you think community members make fun of this group?

In chapter 27, when Lizzie is left alone, she takes the opportunity to look around Jakob’s room, noting, “My finds were not illuminating. Tattered spy novels, texts on information theory and binary multipliers, and an old Polish-English dictionary. At this point, the most I can accuse my brother of is being incredibly dull.” Examine the contents of your locker (or backpack or bedroom). Catalog the items you find and then look at your list. What would an outsider infer about you? Is there anything you would need to add or eliminate in order for your possessions to reflect who you hope to be?

In chapter 68, Jakob is surprised to learn that his father was “a remarkably gifted linguist” whose codebreaking work helped the Allies win World War I. Jakob responds, “What else have I never suspected?” Think of the adults in your life. What do you know about them? How can you find out more?

The smoking scarecrow: Who is he? What makes him mysterious? To whom does he report?

In chapter 88, when bombs rain down on London, Jakob and Lizzie take refuge in a shelter. As Lizzie observes, “An explosion detonates nearby, shaking the basement. A baby cries. Mortar crumbles from the bricks and a hushed group of voices begin a chorus of ‘God Save the King.’” If put in a similar situation today, what would people sing to keep their spirits up?

Gran is a woman we never meet. Instead, we learn about her from Jakob’s and Lizzie’s memories, as well as from Viola, Fleetwood, and Olivia. What are the common characteristics of Gran? What is she like? What does she enjoy? How might she spend her days?

In times of difficulty, many families have to make decisions that may upset their children, such as a move or a change in daily activities. Think about the adults in the story: Willa, Gran, the Colonel, Mrs. Tilbury. What decisions do they have to make? What might they be thinking about?

In chapter 90, Jakob notes, “If Hilter was hoping to break our spirit, to sow panic and despair, he must be sadly disappointed.” How do Londoners respond to the bombing? How do you imagine your neighborhood responding to a similar situation?

Government propaganda posters advise Londoners: “You will be told what to do when the invasion comes” and “Stay where you are.” Lizzie doesn’t follow these directions. Is it because she identifies as being half-American? How do you think people would respond to these instructions today?

In Part 3, Lizzie and Jakob discover that “goulash” is code for September 7. How did they make this connection? If you had to create a code to communicate with your family, what words might you use?

This book is about a brother and sister working together to solve a family mystery. The Bletchley Riddle is the result of the collaborative partnership between bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin. What other partnerships do we see in the book? What makes a great partner?