"With an exciting plot full of bravery and betrayal and a tear-jerker of an ending, this is a book which will appeal to lovers of history, spy stories and mysteries."
Telling the story of Liv, Mila, Hannie and Will this is a book that leaps from present day England to 1940s Holland and back again, showing us how past history impacts on present lives. Many children will know some facts about WW2 but few will know the stories of the injustices and atrocities that the people in Holland face during this time, so Code Name Kingfisher brings us a fresh perspective.
The book brings to life the realities facing Jewish people living in Amsterdam in 1942 and the brave actions of the Resistance movement, locating the story in an exploration of family bonds, history and love. Woven through the historical story is a present day tale of friendship and growth which examines the very real fears and tribulations of school and modern lives. The war story doesn’t shy away from the realities of that terrible time and there are depictions of the traumatic events and death that were a part of this history but it is all skillfully handled in an age appropriate and sensitive way.
With an exciting plot full of bravery and betrayal and a tear-jerker of an ending, this is a book which will appeal to lovers of history, spy stories and mysteries.
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An amazing read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will want to learn more every chapter.
This book is all about a girl called Liv, a history project and her grandma-Bubbe-who grew up as a twelve-year-old Jew in the Second World War. Liv didn’t know about her grandmother’s life until a school history project where they have to do a family tree. Liv goes through a box which belonged to her grandmother when she is taken away to go to a care home. That’s when Bubbe’s life gradually starts to piece together.
You flip between the characters as you go through the book and learn about both their stories and lives as you go.
This is a great book for people who like adventure and thrill and mystery. It’s also a good book for people who want to learn more about history or just don’t know what to read next!... Read Full Review
Code Name Kingfisher is a touching and exciting book set in Nazi occupied Holland. This book was thoughtful and thought provoking, beautiful and scary. I would highly recommend this book.
Code Name Kingfisher is a touching and exciting book set in Nazi occupied Holland. The book also took place in a modern day setting where a girl starting secondary school decides to investigate her family history. Despite not being the most original start to a book the plot soon picks up with spies, soldiers and more. This book was unputdownable, but I found several of the characters slightly hollow. Despite this there were deep, touching moments between characters. The basic idea does not seem that interesting, but Liz Kessler manages to pull off a pretty exciting story, with some very tense moments. The horrors of war are portrayed in a way which is suitable for around 9+ ages with some slightly upsetting scenes. Overall though this book was thoughtful and thought provoking, beautiful and scary.... Read Full Review
