McGuire, Erin. Spy in the Museum, The: How Rose Vallard Saved Art from the Nazis. Erin McGuire, Illus. Beach Lane, 09/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5344-6617-3. GRADES 1–5. OUTSTANDING.
Rose Valland was a curator at the Jeu de Paume Museum when the Nazis took over Paris during World War II and began the systematic theft of priceless artworks, claiming it was to rid the world of “degenerate art.” She kept a notebook detailing which works were taken and where they were sent, risking her life so that after the war those works could be reclaimed. The straightforward text, often just one paragraph per page, clearly explains what occurred and her heroism. The narrative is well-matched to mixed-media pencil artwork, digitally painted and emphasizing the darkness of the museum interiors, which suit the serious tone of the circumstances. The book concludes with a note on Valland’s post-war work, an author’s note on her process, and a list of sources. This informational picture book will appeal to students interested in history, art, and women’s history, and would make a great classroom readaloud.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool