In Code Name Kingfisher, a young girl learns of her grandmother and great-aunt’s involvement in the Dutch Resistance during World War II in this heartbreaking middle grade story of family, history, resilience, and hope from acclaimed author Liz Kessler.

About Code Name Kingfisher

Title: Code Name Kingfisher

Written by: Liz Kessler

Published by: Aladdin

Pub Date: May 7, 2024

Ages: 8-12; Grades: 3-7

Available: Amazon

Thirteen-year-old Liv’s beloved grandmother, Oma, is moving into a home where she can be cared for as her dementia worsens. As Liv helps her father empty Oma’s house, she finds an old chest. She opens up a whole world that Liv never knew about: the hidden world of Oma’s childhood. 

Through the letters and mementos, Liv learns that Oma, given name Mila, had a sister, Eva, that no one in Liv’s family knew about. In 1942, Mila and Eva are sent away from their parents to a non-Jewish family to survive the war. Twelve-year-old Mila believes they will soon be reunited with their parents and go back to their normal lives. Fourteen-year-old Eva knows better, and involves herself in the Resistance. Eva takes on dangerous assignments until a betrayal forces her to decide between running away or fully committing to mission. Tragedy strikes, and Mila goes to England on her own to restart her life from scratch, vowing never to talk about her childhood again.

In the present day, Liv reads how Mila builds something new from the shattered pieces of her childhood. Both Liv and Mila grapple with loyalty, family, and love as they discover what it means to be brave and go above and beyond to offer someone else a life of dignity, happiness, and freedom.

Praise for Code Name Kingfisher

“Alternating points of view and time jumps add compelling perspectives, and though there are truly tough moments, the fierce familial bonds and loving friendships lighten the load. A stirring story that will give any reader a boost of bravery in the face of adversity.” ― –Booklist

* “An intense story, gorgeously told.” ― –School Library Journal, starred review

“A rewarding read.” ― –Publishers Weekly

“In Kessler’s skillful hands the contemporary story doesn’t get swamped by the high drama of the historical element, and the way that Liv gains courage from learning Mila and Hannie’s story is moving and inspirational.” – The Jewish Chronicle

“A breathtaking WW2 story of bravery and sisterhood, told with the utmost care, beauty and hope by an extraordinary storyteller.” – A.F. Steadman, New York Times bestselling author of the Skandar series

About the Author

Liz Kessler has written over twenty books for children and young adults. Most of these are middle grade books featuring mermaids, fairies, time travel, and superpowers. She lives in the UK.

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