As a primary school teacher who has taught World War Two for the last five years (and has read many children’s books based on the time period) , I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Told through multiple perspectives, the story centres around German-occupied Holland during WW2 and the present day in England. It’s beautiful, respectful and thoughtful in all perspectives used: the way that we follow events of the time when Jewish people (and those who protected them) were publicly persecuted; the many social challenges that young people face in the modern day and how this is perceived through the eyes of teenagers.
Once I started reading this, I knew that I needed to finish it in the same day. I needed to know what happened to the characters. Who would survive? What would happen to Bo? Who would get a happy ending when life isn’t always like that? There were times that I grinned broadly, times when I cheered with delight, times when I held my breath waiting to see if they would make it and then times when I cried when not all of them did - I went on the full emotional rollercoaster! It is a humbling story which brought to life the bravery, determination (especially in the face of adversity), impossible choices and harsh realities of those who lived during WW2 and honours their memory. When we see through Liv’s perspective, many of these same themes are echoed, as well as being true to yourself, even when those that you considered friends aren’t who you thought they were. There are so many important messages that children can take from this book, as well as learning about what life was like for children in WW2 or simply just enjoying beautiful writing.
I will definitely be recommending this to my pupils, as well as my colleagues and any one else who will listen, as well as looking to add more books by Liz Kessler to my own library!
Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Kessler and Simon & Schuster Children’s UK for the ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.

Dual timeline between 1940s Amsterdam and present day Britain.
Tells the story of Jewish sisters - Hannie and Mila, who are sent by their parents to a non-Jewish family so they can live safely under Nazi occupation.
Older sister Hannie joins the Dutch resistance, making for tense times and relationships are tested to the limit.
In present day, Liv has relationship issues with her Gran, who has dementia and is given a family history project to do at school - you then see how the past relates to the present.
Would make an epic TV drama with likeable main characters, boo worthy baddies and loads of suspense and tension.
A moving, dramatic piece of writing and will soon become a children’s wartime classic.
Thanks @lizkessler @simonkidsuk & @netgalley for the eARC

What a beautiful story this is. It is split between Holland during the Second World War and present day Great Britain, it tells the story of Liv who whilst doing a school project about her family tree, finds a box in her grandmother’s attic. Reading the contents of the box Liv finds herself learning about her family’s past. The story tells of Mila and Hannie in 1942 where they are forced into living with strangers in order to hide their Jewish identity from the Nazis.
This is a story that should be read by todays schoolchildren to give them an insight into what children their age had to go through just in order to survive. It is a story full of emotions, a tale of hardships and friendships and family.
I loved this story, it was a totally absorbing read and I thoroughly recommend it.

This is a powerful & incredibly moving exploration of courage & defiance in the darkest of times. It shines a light on the ordinary people who risked everything to save the lives of strangers. Liz cleverly weaves together the two different time narratives to create a more personal insight into the long term effects war has on families and how it can impact on future generations. The ending is stark but realistic and pulls no punches on the brutality of the time. A must have for every school library, definitely recommend for UKS2 and KS3.

This is my second Liz Kessler novel. I loved "When the World Was Ours", a rare 5-star. This one was a really fantastic read too. It's a rare feat to be able to tell a middle-grade story set during one of the world's worst, human-created historical calamities.

Code Name Kingfisher is a dual-timeline novel, where the present-day protagonist discovers a mysterious box belonging to her grandmother. This leads her in an unforgettable journey that changes her relationship with her gran as well. The other story is based during WW 2, this time in Holland, as the Nazis are taking control. I loved how the author wove themes of hate, politics, sisterhood, family and friendship.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

#CodeNameKingfisher #NetGalley

This is a narrative split between Holland during the Second World War and present day England. Although there have been a good number of children’s stories set in the war (and some of them excellent books) relatively little is known here of life in occupied Holland. The story of Mila (Mimi) and her older sister, Hannie, stretching between 1942 and 1945, is compelling. Spilt between several narrators, it is beautifully written and convincingly told, capturing much of the horror and heartache of brave resistance to the Nazis during this period, and especially the horrendous treatment of Jews. It is difficult to read at times, but so important, exciting and moving as well as educational in the best sense.
Unfortunately,
I found rather more contrived, the interleaved contemporary story of Mila’s granddaughter, Liv, gradually finding out the story of her grandmother, who she originally knows only as the old and, to her, difficult ‘Bubbie’. Liv is helped by her new friend Gabi, but this strand feels somehow less convincing and ultimately adds an almost sentimental edge to a strong and very humane novel. This is the only thing that prevented me from giving the book five stars, because it is otherwise very recommendable.

Code Name Kingfisher is a powerful story of secrets, family and friendship. Spanning 80 years, it follows three girls on their quest to stay true to themselves and where their family has come from while searching for a happy future.

In present day England, Liv is struggling with changing friendships and her grandmother’s dementia. When she’s assigned a personal history project at school, she realises how little she knows about her family’s past. Thankfully, her new friend Gabi agrees to be her partner and is an absolute lifeline when Liv is feeling excluded and alone.

In 1942 Amsterdam, sisters Mila and Hannie are being sent away. Their parents tell them “You’ll be back before you know it.” but they both understand this could be good-bye forever. War is coming closer and home is no longer safe for Jewish children. They must pretend to be someone else – not Jewish – and blend into their new surroundings.

Hannie has always rejected Nazi rules. Refusing to wear her Jewish star on her coat and being far too outspoken about how their family is treated has nearly landed her in trouble too many times. Now, in their new home, she finds like-minded people and a way to express her beliefs – the Resistence. There are many secrets to keep and danger in her actions but the risk is worth it for the lives she is saving.

As Liv investigates her family’s story, she finds clues that lead her to Mila and Hannie. She is inspired by the girls who have come before her and takes strength from their example. If they can fight the enemy and have courage in the face of terrible circumstances, she can stand up to bullies and cope with hard times. This becomes so much more than a school project. As Liv discovers the questions she needs to ask and looks between the lines for the answers, she finds truth, hope and the power of love.

Liv’s grandmother’s dementia is difficult to cope with. Shadows of the past find her in the present causing upset and confusion. She relives some of her hardest moments and worries about being sent away. Will she ever find her sister? Will they return home when this war ends?

Code Name Kingfisher is a wonderful addition to the important collection of Resistence stories that has emerged over the past few years. It is essential that these stories are told and children realise the sacrifice ordinary people made to try to stop the Nazis from taking control of Europe. Liv, Mila and Hannie are genuine, relatable characters who share their stories in an emotional and engaging way. Readers will join with them as they feel the anxiety of making new friends, the weight of secrets, the fear of war and the depth of love for their families.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK Children’s and NetGalleyUK for an early read of this incredible book.

This book made me cry! It's such an important story sharing how people worked so hard together to resist the control the Nazis exerted over people. It also shows how people pulled together to try to protect those who were so vulnerable and how they were willing to put their lives at risk. The way the story is told, through different voices and in different timelines makes it a really interesting read, and also a useful text for year 5 and 6 when teaching about character voice. Be prepared to cry at the end though.

Travelling home from my holiday on Sunday, I had fully expected to spend the majority of the flight sleeping (it had been a fairly busy trip for me and crappy health issues had left me much more tired than in previous years); however, the first leg of the journey saw me begin Code Name Kingfisher and suddenly the any idea of sleeping went right out the window!

Set in Holland during the Second World War and also modern day Britain, the book follows Liv who has been tasked with a school history project to discover her family tree. With a small family, and her grandmother closed off after the death of her grandfather, Liv thinks this is going to be an impossible task, but the discovery of a box hidden in her grandmother's attic opens up a whole new world. Through the contents of the box, Liv is transported back to 1942 Holland where Mila and her sister Hannie are forced to leave their family home and their parents in order to live with strangers; their identities and their Jewish background are kept strictly secret to protect them from the Nazis. However, as the story unfolds, Hannie finds it increasingly difficult to simply sit and watch what is happening to other Jewish children and is determined to do all she can to help. But do she and Mila know who they can trust and can they stay safe?

I have a real weakness for books set during WWII but I don't think I've read many that are set in Holland. I'm well aware of the plight of Anne Frank and her family, as well as the brave resistance fighters who helped them, but this gave me a different perspective on life for Jewish families at this time. The idea of parents deciding to entrust their children to strangers to save them broke my heart and I admired Mila and Hannie's parents' strength immensely; also that of the Van de Bergs who take them in. There were so many acts of bravery like this during the war and I always feel that it's important that they aren't forgotten.

Although Mila and Hannie are sisters, they are clearly two very different characters, both very strong in their own way but different in how they deal with things. I don't want to say any more so as to avoid spoilers but they are characters I won't forget in a while.

Then there is Liv. Living in Britain today, she is dealing with several big things in her life: she is still coming to terms with the death of her grandfather and is also coping with changes in friendships. Friendships often change as children progress through school but I really felt for her. The discovery of the box and the subsequent investigations into its contents come at just the right time for Liv.

Told in the third person, Code Name Kingfisher flits between Liv's story and that of Mila and Hannie, creating a tension that makes you want to read 'just one more chapter'. I found myself very quickly absorbed and fully invested in the lives of all three girls and shed tears on more than one occasion (goodness knows what the person beside me on the plane thought!).

Full of hope, courage, friendship and family ties, Code Name Kingfisher is a book that will draw you in and capture your heart. It will remind you that bravery can be found in the most unlikely of places and that you should never give up hope.

Pushing on the 14th September, Code Name Kingfisher is a must-read book this autumn.

Mila and Hannie, two Jewish sisters living in Amsterdam in 1942 are told by their parents that they are being sent to stay with friends whom they must say are their Aunt and Uncle. This is to protect them, but all family members feel the hurt of the enforced separation.
While Mila is keen to please, Hannie, the elder sister is frustrated because she feels helpless. She becomes involved with the Dutch Resistance and her outlet, as she knows she cannot trust anyone, is her journal to her Mother which she keeps locked. But sharing a room Mila knows the combination and where she keeps the key to the drawer.
When Hannie is betrayed this puts not only her own life in danger but also that of the small children she is saving and events take a tragic turn.
The book flashes back and forth from Mila’s Dutch life to present day UK when her grandaughter is doing a school project on the family tree. Mila has not spoken of her experiences during the war with not even her son knowing she came from the Netherlands. Even dementia has not resulted in her talking about her early life until Liv starts to probe.
The novel keeps good pace via a collection of letters, voices and remembered events. With predominantly female protagonists, this is perfect for upper KS2 / lower Key Stage 3 students presenting the reality of the Holocaust for Dutch Jews who avoided capture.

A heart-wrenching story, this was more like a 4.5 stars for me and I only really knocked it down from a 5 as I felt that it took a little while for me to really feel involved in the characters' lives. But the ending almost pushed it up to a 5.
It is incredibly dark at times (unsurprising given the subject matter) and yet it still manages to feel hopeful. I loved Mila and Hannie best, and I was really holding my breath towards the end as the story reached the climax as it was just beautifully written and devastating to read.

I'd say this is a middle grade read, perfect to get a different perspective on the resistance movement in WW2; perhaps as a precursor to The Diary of Anne Frank.

Liv has to research her family tree for a school assignment and uncovers a box of her grandmother's documents that tell an awe inspiring tale. From these documents,Liv takes strength to out right the things that are going wonky in her own life.

My choice for today’s #childrensbooksunday is @lizkessler’s Code Name Kingfisher which is out on 14 September 2023. I’m grateful to @Netgally and @simonkidsuk for my advance e-copy in return for an honest review. This is the first Liz Kessler novel that I’ve read and I hope it’s not the last.

Lovely @salboreads set up #childrensbooksunday in celebration of those books that the BBC used to dramatise for children on Sunday evenings (you need to be of a certain age to remember those good old days). Well, can I just say that if ever a book was made for such a TV show, Code Name Kingfisher is it! It would make a great TV drama. It’s got all the necessary ingredients: sympathetic main characters, baddies you can boo at, suspense and tension … and an adorable dog. What’re you waiting on BBC?

I’ve read quite a lot of children’s books set during the Second World War. They work for me because my parents grew up during the war and I heard them talk about it, but I wonder how well those books go down with today’s children. Although the main story of Code Name Kingfisher is set in 1940s Amsterdam, there is a ‘present day’ story too which I think would help today’s young readers identify with events of decades ago. The SLIGHT downside to that is that the modern story interrupts the flow of the wartime one.

The main story concerns Jewish sisters Hannie and Mila who are sent by their parents to a non-Jewish family so that they can live as safely and freely as possible under Nazi occupation. Hannie, the elder sister, joins the Resistance and this takes its toll on her relationship with Mila. As you can imagine, Hannie’s work with the Resistance makes for some tense and sad times. Relationships and trust are tested to the limit. Meanwhile, in the present, Liv - who has relationship issues with a gran who appears to be living with dementia, and a best friend who is abandoning her - is given a family history project to do at school. You’ll need to read the book to see how the past relates to the present - but please do, it’s a page turner.

#bookswithalesson #historicalmiddlegrade #codenamekingfisher #kidslit #comingsoon #bookreview #kidsbooks #jewishhistory #ww2books

I'm completely engrossed in Liv's story about discovering a secret box that belonged to her grandmother. I like how it is told back and forth between the past and the future so that you can get to know all of the characters. and I believe each of the characters has a distinct personality. In the 1940s, Mila and Hannie are trying to survive in a world where many Jewish children are exiled or killed; in the present day, Liv is trying to learn about her grandmother's past. These two stories will eventually intersect, revealing a common thread about who the grandmother truly is.

I don't usually read children's books with fictional historical themes, but this book contains a lot of life lessons that will shape Liv's personality and make me think for a moment. I expected it to be light, but it was quite heavy, and I sobbed near the end. It's my first time reading Liz Kessler's book, and it won't be my last because I enjoy her writing.

I loved this story. It’s a split-time narrative, moving between present-day Liv who is given a school project on her family tree, and tries to find out more about her elderly grandmother, Bubbe, and 2 Dutch sisters caught up in world war 2. It’s not a big surprise when the narratives collide and elements of the present start to mirror the past.
It’s a fascinating insight into the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam and the resistance, seen through the eyes of the children.
Would definitely recommend for upper KS2 world war 2 topic.