Using the book series ‘Secret Breakers’ as a basis, author H.L. Dennis will explore all sorts of unbroken codes hidden in the world around us.Helen will introduce you to the codes and mysteries that provided inspiration for the Secret Breakers series and encourage readers to have a go at creating their own theories about the codes and their meanings. Codes explored include The Voynich Manuscript, Enigma Variations, Beale Papers, and the Shakespeare Cipher. The session will also include advice on practical code cracking and tips on how to find secret signs and symbols hidden in the world around us, as well as the chance to ask questions about the writing process.
Session Presenter

Helen Dennis
Helen Dennis is the writer of the ‘Secret Breakers’ six book series and the ‘River of Ink’ quartet, both published by Hodder Children’s Books. Her stories have been translated into several languages. She worked for twenty years as a teacher so enjoys keeping up to date with readers by making school visits, where she runs code-cracking and writing sessions. Her books have been nominated for the Carnegie Medal, chosen as a BookBuzz book by Book Trust for 2016 and won several regional prizes including Salisbury School Book Award 2017; Hampshire Book Award 2017 and the Amazing Book Award Bronze Medal 2017. ‘Secret Breakers’ (published under the name H.L. Dennis) has been optioned for a live action TV series.