Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Code Name Marguerite, Code Name Ambroise, Code Name Mimi: The True Stories of Other Women Spies in World War II”

Students will research the life and times of real-life female spies during World War II who served as Elizabeth Wein’s models for protagonists Julie and Maddie in Code Name Verity.

There was Francine Agazarian (code name: Marguerite); there was Denise Bloch (code name: Ambroise); there was Yvonne Fontaine (code name: Mimi). These are just a few of the women who bravely served as spies for the Allied forces to help take down the Nazis and bring about the end of World War II. They also served as models and inspiration for Elizabeth Wein in her depiction of Julie and Maddie in Code Name Verity.

In this activity, you will work in a group of 3-4 students to conduct research on 1 female spy of your choosing; then, you will craft a presentation to share with the class. Your group’s presentation should be no less than 5 minutes long (and no more than 10 minutes) and should answer and provide insight into the following questions: