Published by Simon & Schuster, 2024.

As soon as I heard about Code Name Kingfisher I knew that it was a book I wanted to read. When the World Was Ours, another wartime MG novel by Liz Kessler, is one of the most incredible books I’ve ever read. Code Name Kingfisher is a powerful story that’s just as devastating.

It’s a story than spans two generations and has multiple narrators. We switch between the UK in the present day and Amsterdam in the early 1940s. Inspired by the true stories of women and girls in the Dutch resistance, this powerful novel follows the lives of two Jewish sisters (Mila and Hannie) who must leave their family, move to Amsterdam and take on false identities to hide from the Nazi regime. Interspersed with their story is that of Liv’s – a young girl who finds a secret box from her grandmother’s childhood and, in so doing, uncovers an extraordinary war-time story of bravery, betrayal and daring defiance.

This is a fascinating story which sheds light on the little-known activities of the Dutch resistance, in particular, the important work of young women who escorted Jewish children to safety and passed secret messages to the resistance leaders.

There are strong themes of bravery and justice and standing up for what’s right, even when it comes at great personal cost. The book also explores friendship and pits healthy, supportive friendship in stark contrast with one-sided bullying relationships.

Another aspect of the book which resonated with me was the relationship between Liv and her ageing grandmother. Liv’s grandmother is in the early stages of dementia and is beginning to forget not only how to care for herself but also who her loved ones are. Having experienced this first-hand, I found this sub-plot to be particularly poignant and sensitively handled.

The war-time plot is packed with drama and tension; stakes are high and the girls often find themselves in grave danger. This ever-present peril makes for a page-turning adventure.

Code Name Kingfisher is a moving and important story. It’s a testament to individual and collective bravery and a vital account of our recent past.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 9+

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me this book to review. I reviewed it as part of the Code Name Kingfisher blog tour. Check out all the other posts on the tour for more exclusive content.