The Books

Code Name Kingfisher

by Liz Kessler

ISBN: 9781398512511

Set during World War II, primarily in Amsterdam, two Jewish sisters, Mila and Hannie, are given new identities and sent to live with another family to escape Nazi persecution. Hannie, determined to fight back, joins the Dutch resistance and becomes an undercover agent known as "Code Name Kingfisher". The novel explores themes of bravery, sisterhood, and defiance as the sisters navigate the dangers of wartime Holland, with Mila also facing challenges in her new life.

Reviews

Maia - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really enjoyed reading Codename Kingfisher. It highlighted the unknown struggles of Holland in 1942. I loved how the story of Mila and Liv intertwined and had an emotional connection. I personally would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading authors like Tom Palmer.

Anveesha - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really liked this especially the way it was written, With different characters saying their view at different points in the story. This is one of my favourite books I have ever read.

Sonam - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

This was my favourite book so far. I feel it was a thrilling book with many mysteries and twists. I loved the mix of old and new with one character set in the Second World War and the other set in the present day. I would not usually read history books, but this has inspired me to read more of these historical novels.

Dina - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really enjoyed this book It was powerful and Mila was such a strong character. The book was SOOO good it makes made me cry at the end which shows how into the book I was. Thank you so much for creating a great book!

Taqwa - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I felt really touched by the concept and meaning of this brilliant story. In my opinion, this story is both educational and a perfect secondary school drama. I really loved how the narrators were both Liv and Mila (and also a little bit of Hannie's wonderful letters!). This book is the perfect mix of fact and fiction. Very highly recommended.

Hollie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

Really good book! I really like how its a mix of the olden days and this day and age. Its really thrilling. My favourite book I have read in a long time!

Elsie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked in from start to finish. This is a fantastic book about bravery. I like the way that the diary entries swap between Hannie, Mila, Liv and the others. Overall, this is an amazing book.

Maya - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I loved this book. It was heartwarming and had a great story line. My favourite character was Hannie by far.

Mai - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I enjoyed reading this book as it is interesting to read and I found the book informative. It was a little sad at then end, but I loved it!

Aliyah - National Church of England Academy - 2026

It is a great book so far I am really loving how you can connect with the character. Understand how they feel. But it is a bit confusing when you first start reading it because it changes story every chapter so you might get confused who you are reading about. But other than that it is a great book and I really recommend.

Beth - National Church of England Academy - 2026

Very good book! Love the gradual storyline and multiple perspectives. I love Hannies character arc and how she goes from disobeying rules with no end goal in mind to helping others for a cause she really believes in.

Areeba - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I loved this book. I think it described the war setting very well. I liked the character of Mila the best because of how she was with her sister.

Paige - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

I loved this book if I could I would rate it a million. I loved how it changed from different peoples perspective. This was an absolute page turner!

Ella - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

It was very interesting but sad i liked it

Allegra - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

A beautiful book I could not stop reading. Athough at the start, it was quite hard to get into but after the fifth chapter it felt like it came naturally to me. I loved how you divided the book into two stories then they merged at the end. I would definitely read it again.

Safoora - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I did not really enjoy this book. This book is for people who enjoy reading abou the events of WWII! I did find it good, but its just not my type of reading style! This book is great for ages 8-12 years and I think if you like a bit of action you should defintely read it!

Florence - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

This book was brilliant. I loved reading it. I love how it happens in two different years and how it focuses on modern and past themes and explains it so well it reminded me a bit of Anne Franks diary which I have also read. I have always had an interest in this topic so I liked reading about in from a different point of view