Inspiring Historical Adventure: Read Our Review of The Girls Who Changed the World #2: Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom by Jackie French

Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom is an empowering and exhilarating look at the girls who went before us, and the way they shaped the world.

Ming Qong is convinced that girls have changed the world throughout history. So when Ming is thrust back in time to Belgium during WWI, only to be rescued from a burning cellar by Marie – an experienced spy at only twelve years of age – she finally has her proof. Marie is involved with a female secret resistance group who risk their lives to outwit the German troops.

But Ming now faces a tough choice: will she send coded messages and risk her own life in this war on which the future depends? As Ming learns, change is never easy, so how can one girl change the world?

From one of Australia’s most-celebrated writers of adults and children’s books, Jackie French, comes an inspiring series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world. I’m so glad we didn’t have to wait long for book #2 in The Girls Who Changed the World series! Ming is an inspiring and funny character to be reunited with. After returning from colonial New South Wales in book #1, this time she is immediately thrust (by the magical droplets of Herstory) into the middle of World War I in German-occupied Belgium. Now that’s a shocking place for any young girl to find herself.

This is a fascinating read for young readers interested in WWI. Ming witnesses first-hand the devastation that was brought upon Belgian people and cities, as well as millions of people who were affected around the world. French, who has written countless historical fiction novels, has uncovered an incredible true story from WWI in this book – the underground spy network which included many young women working within the Belgian Resistance. They used knitting patterns to send coded messages! The struggle of these young people during the war is moving, heart-breaking and something that we should all continue to learn about.

I highly recommend Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom for readers aged 10+ who want to read about inspiring girls throughout history, who really did change the world.

Buy a copy of Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom here.