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The Spy with the Wooden Leg: The Story of Virginia Hall
Action-packed World War II spy biography! Ages 10+
How did a young woman become one of the bravest, most valued—and MOST WANTED—intelligence agents in World War II?
Virginia Hall had a dream to become the first woman ambassador for the United States. Turned down by the U.S. State Department time and again, she could not stand idly by while the Nazi German army swept through Europe conquering country after country.
She volunteered to drive an ambulance in WWII France. She rescued downed airmen, radioed vital information to the Allies, and led three battalions of French Resistance forces in guerrilla warfare—all with a wooden leg!
Known as la dame qui boite or the Limping Lady, Virginia became a master British spy, rose to the top of the Gestapo's Most Wanted list, and turned the course of history!
"… an inspiration for girls of all ages."
—Kathie Hightower, coauthor, Military Spouse Discover the Possibilities and Live Your Dreams
"… strongly recommended addition to history and biography collections, not to be overlooked."
—Midwest Book Review
Multiple Award-Winning Book!
An exciting nonfiction account for young people interested in behind-the-scenes adventures of the Second World War, espionage, inspiring women, unconventional heroes, international intelligence agents and master spies, the secret British Special Operations Executive (SOE), Consular service, overcoming adversity, fulfilling life goals despite disability or discrimination, and true stories of determination and perseverance.
An alternative introduction to Virginia Hall who may also be interested in books like The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck; Hall of Virginia America's Greatest Spy of WWI I by Craig Gralley; The Lady Is a Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance by Don Mitchell; A Woman of No The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell; or The Wolves at the The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy by Judith L. Pearson
How did a young woman become one of the bravest, most valued—and MOST WANTED—intelligence agents in World War II?
Virginia Hall had a dream to become the first woman ambassador for the United States. Turned down by the U.S. State Department time and again, she could not stand idly by while the Nazi German army swept through Europe conquering country after country.
She volunteered to drive an ambulance in WWII France. She rescued downed airmen, radioed vital information to the Allies, and led three battalions of French Resistance forces in guerrilla warfare—all with a wooden leg!
Known as la dame qui boite or the Limping Lady, Virginia became a master British spy, rose to the top of the Gestapo's Most Wanted list, and turned the course of history!
"… an inspiration for girls of all ages."
—Kathie Hightower, coauthor, Military Spouse Discover the Possibilities and Live Your Dreams
"… strongly recommended addition to history and biography collections, not to be overlooked."
—Midwest Book Review
Multiple Award-Winning Book!
An exciting nonfiction account for young people interested in behind-the-scenes adventures of the Second World War, espionage, inspiring women, unconventional heroes, international intelligence agents and master spies, the secret British Special Operations Executive (SOE), Consular service, overcoming adversity, fulfilling life goals despite disability or discrimination, and true stories of determination and perseverance.
An alternative introduction to Virginia Hall who may also be interested in books like The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck; Hall of Virginia America's Greatest Spy of WWI I by Craig Gralley; The Lady Is a Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance by Don Mitchell; A Woman of No The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell; or The Wolves at the The True Story of America's Greatest Female Spy by Judith L. Pearson
160 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 23, 2021
Great book about a (pretty much unknown) female spy active in WWII. It's amazing to read the things she accomplished, with a wooden leg no less!
April 9, 2022
This is a quick read for adults. It’s a YA version of the adult book “A Woman of No Importance “ by Sonia Purnell.
I’ve given four stars because, as a YA book, it contains loads f information about American Virginia Hall’s exploits as a British agent guiding French Resistance officers in occupied France. I don’t wish to measure this book against other books on the same subject that were rewritten for adults.
Her story is fascinating. A freak hunting accident leads to the loss of her leg and her tenacity meant that even her wooden leg, deemed “Cuthbert”, is not a detriment to her espionage work. She was one of the most remarkable women of the Twentieth Century.
I’ve given four stars because, as a YA book, it contains loads f information about American Virginia Hall’s exploits as a British agent guiding French Resistance officers in occupied France. I don’t wish to measure this book against other books on the same subject that were rewritten for adults.
Her story is fascinating. A freak hunting accident leads to the loss of her leg and her tenacity meant that even her wooden leg, deemed “Cuthbert”, is not a detriment to her espionage work. She was one of the most remarkable women of the Twentieth Century.
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March 17, 2017A fictional story of a heroic woman is inspiring. When the story is true, it’s even more powerful. If WWII spy, Virginia Hall, was a fictional character, critics would say her story is unbelievable, unrealistic—that a woman couldn’t do that, much less one with a wooden leg. Nancy Polette’s biography, The Spy with the Wooden Leg: The Story of Virginia Hall, written for children in middle grades, shows readers what women are capable of. Virginia Hall became one of the most wanted spys by the German Gestapo. Focusing on life in the 1930s and the French resistance movement in the 1940s, this timely book feels modern. Readers might not understand the scope of WWII, but they will understand the fight between good and evil. Polette’s adventurous narrative brings the reader to the heart of the fight and shows that with dedication, teamwork, and resilience, good wins. I highly recommend this book for both girls and boys. The lessons learned here will stay with them for many years.
July 26, 2018
I mistakenly reserved this at my library thinking I was getting Wolves at the Door: The True Story Of America's Greatest Female Spy (based on a recommendation from a co-worker). I almost put it back when I saw this was a "juvenile" book. It was well-written and very informative even if classified as a juvenile book. It does make me want to ultimately read Wolves at the Door: The True Story Of America's Greatest Female Spy. Virginia Hall's tenacity and dedication deserve recognition.
May 3, 2021
Another extraordinary story of an incredible woman. I came across this book by chance and highly recommend it.
October 1, 2023
Very informative tale of a courageous lady who clearly saved thousand of allied soldiers with her spying on Nazi occupiers of France. Despite her handicap, she evaded capture by the Gestapo and brilliantly coordinate sabotage efforts with the French underground, often sidestepping efforts by London to constrain her. We are indebted to her gutsy endeavors!
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February 24, 2021Excellent story.
July 31, 2025
This is a short book intended for ages 10 and older. That made the story a bit thin on the facts of Virginia Hall. The book was good as far as it went.
March 19, 2014
Fascinating story for ages 10-100.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews