Code Name Kris [Paperback]

Carol Matas (Author)

Book Description

After the Nazi occupation of Denmark forces his Jewish friends to flee the country, seventeen-year-old Jesper continues his work in the underground resistance movement. Sequel to "Lisa's War."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this sequel to Lisa's War , Matas again presents a stirring account of a youth's struggle to fight the Nazis who occupy Denmark during World War II. In the earlier book Jesper helps his Jewish friends Stefan and Lisa escape to Sweden. Three years later Jesper, 17, is still working for the Danish resistance. He recounts the dangerous events that lead to his confinement in a German prison. Jesper becomes actively involved in the underground press, which spreads news about what is really happening in the war. When Stefan returns to Denmark, he teams up with Jesper to fight the Nazis. Matas's extensive research, combined with powerful characterization and compelling narration, creates an intense, provocative novel. Lucid, incisive descriptions will entice as well as educate readers. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10-- This sequel to Lisa's War (Scribners, 1989) opens with 17-year-old Jesper in a cell awaiting execution at the hands of the Gestapo. Recalling the events that brought him there, he attempts to put it all "in order" to keep from despairing. As a result of helping his Jewish friends Lisa and Stefan escape to Sweden in 1943, he had gone underground in the Danish Resistance, bearing the code name "Kris" and becoming involved in clandestine newspaper operations and sabotage. Jesper/Kris relates how events brought his friend Stefan back to Denmark, and the anti-Nazi activities that led to the young men's capture. Matas, in sparse, understated, and somewhat dispassionate prose, effectively depicts what life was like in occupied Denmark and in the Danish Resistance. Without being didactic, she informs readers about the Resistance's organization, day-to-day activities, and special operations as well as the dangers and fears its members faced. All of this is woven into an easily read, interest-holding story of bravery, loyalty, and patriotism. The author doesn't stoop to unduly bashing the Germans and their collaborators but simply states what happened. The ending is perhaps a bit too pat, but this flaw is more than offset by Matas' storytelling and characterizations. --David A. Lindsey, Lakewood Junior/Senior High School, WA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; 1 edition (August 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416961623
• ISBN-13: 978-1416961628
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,271,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just one more minute mom, March 11, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: CODE NAME KRIS (Hardcover)

"Code Name Kris," is about Jesper a 17-year-old boy that lived in Copenheahon, Denmark. Hi lived under German rule during WW2. He and the "resistance" (a group trying to over take the Germans) were working hard to get rid of the Germans. Carol Matas made the book like you were in the story yourself. This is a great-told tale that shows you how the Germans were taking all of the Jews out of Denmark. This is a very interesting book about World War2 that I highly suggest other readers to read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book was one of the most exciting books I've read., May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: CODE NAME KRIS (Hardcover)

"Code Name Kris." This was an Excellent book!. It tells the life of a Danish resistance fighter, Jesper, and what he has to do during World War II. The line that told me this was a good book was in the first paragraph. "The Nazis are getting more desperate, as they get more desperate they get meaner." In the book, the main character, Jesper, must choose between many choices all at one time. He tells it first person, trapped in a jail cell in Holland. This wonderful book broke my heart and made me happy many times over. If this book sounds interesting, read "Lisa's War." It tells the lead up story to "Code Name Kris."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book!!! it deserved 6 stars!!!!, September 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: CODE NAME KRIS (Hardcover)

This gripping novel had action, a love story, and everything else that you would expect from Matas. Amazon has a good price on this book so buy it! This has been my favorite book for two years now ( i am 12) and I thing matas was at the top of her form. It deserved 5 stars