Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler

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.

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