What a heart wrenching story! I loved the inter generational connection in this book and the relationship between Liv and her grandmother who has dementia/Alzheimer’s. The story that Liv unearths about her grandmother, and great Aunt is a moving telling of Jewish children in Amsterdam during the Nazi Occupation. I thought the author did a great job of balancing the girls’ desire to live a normal life, with their fear of being discovered, with their desire to resist and fight for what is right. And the issues of who to trust was well dealt with too - not all bad guys wore/wear uniform. I also thought the way the author paralleled the story of Liv and her grandmother through difficulties with friendships and bullies really added an additional depth to the story. Beautifully written, impeccable storytelling, characters that you will deeply connect with, and a heartbreaking scene. But ultimately this is also a story of hope.

“I think the kingfisher was telling us to be true to ourselves, to shine bright even when the world seems dark and dangerous and full of shadows,” … Non spoilery review … Holland 1942 when the world is at war. When all Jews are in grave danger as the Nazi power is growing stronger day by day. Code Name Kingfisher is a historical middle grade novel. Alternating between present day Britain and Nazi occupied Holland 1942. Present day Liv’s history class have been given an assignment to find out about their family history as far back as they can go. Liv finds out something devastating about her Grandmother that no one’s ever been told about (a family secret) Whilst in 1942 Holland two sisters must survive whilst helping out the Resistance. I read this book along to the audio book. Which in my opinion gave it a cinematic feel and enhanced the story. A must read for all 10+ year olds I can’t recommend it enough.