Double Crossed

The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day

A thrilling WWII middle-grade narrative nonfiction account of Operation Bodyguard, in which the Allied forces used spies and double agents to deceive the Nazis about their true plans for D-Day.

In the fall of 1943, German troops controlled nearly all of continental Europe. The one chance the Allies had of punching through the German front meant keeping the enemy distracted and in the dark. They had to take the Germans by surprise on “D-Day.”

The mission: trick the Germans into believing the Allies would strike anywhere but their true target, the beaches of Normandy. Featuring historical photos and breathtaking true accounts, Double Crossed tells the exhilarating story of Operation Bodyguard, the mind-boggling effort to lay a false trail for the Germans using fake armies, decoy landings, and the covert work of double agents and spies who risked their lives. With millions of lives hanging in the balance, victory—or defeat—in World War II depended on the Nazis being caught unaware.

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Praise

★ “High-octane historical thriller meets cinematic narrative nonfiction in an…adventuresome survival tale.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A sweeping chronicle of wartime intelligence that balances historical fact, cinematic tension, and human victory.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Readers fond of true tales of counterespionage, disinformation, and clever spycraft will be riveted from beginning to end.” —Booklist

“With spies and double agents, ­misdirection and outright fictions, codes, invisible ink, and wireless transmitters, the real world of espionage as described in this nonfiction book is as intriguing as any fictional novel or film.” —School Library Journal

“Fascinating.” —BCCB

“Throws you right into the action—real spies playing for the highest possible stakes!” —Steve Sheinkin, award-winning author of Bomb

“Told with admirable verve and clarity, this little-known but important story from World War Two will inform and excite readers.” —Don Brown, author of Run and Hide