How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler: The Story of American Artistry and Deception in World War II

In this gripping historical exploration, Siegel (The United States Book) recounts the seemingly implausible story of how American soldiers used theatrical subterfuge to outsmart Nazis during WWII. On Jan. 20, 1944, the Ghost Army—a recently instated unit that leveraged deception as its weapon of choice—met for the first time. Its missions were top secret, and its goal was to distract the Axis Powers by using visual and audio props, including inflatable tanks and fake radio broadcasts. Utilizing crisp, detailed prose, Siegel paints a clear picture of the Ghost Army’s operations, as when they impersonated Allied forces to convince German soldiers that the units were retreating, while the primary divisions used the Ghost Army’s cover to gain the upper hand. Fascinating depictions of the disguises soldiers wore and the research they did to fulfill their roles ensnare readers’ attention, while empathetically rendered post-war particulars—such as the Allied Powers’ discovery of concentration camps—eschews sensationalism, never losing sight of the human cost of the hostilities and the suffering endured by civilians, refugees, and soldiers alike. It’s a necessary volume that showcases the incredible effort and tactical diversity it took to turn the tide of the war. Ample back matter and resources conclude. Ages 10–up. Agent: Jennifer Unter, Unter Agency. (Nov.)