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Lisa's War #2
Code Name Kris
Determined to make a difference in the war, Jesper refuses to stop fighting the Nazis in Carol Mata’s “stirring account” of a young boy facing the dangers of World War II (Publishers Weekly).
In the sequel to Lisa’s War, Jesper continues his work for the Danish resistance and recounts the dangers that led to his confinement in a German prison.
Determined to make a difference any way he can, Jesper begins to work for an underground press to help tell the truths about what is happening during the war. Simultaneously, frustrated with the state of their country, Stefan and Jesper join forces to fight the Nazis.
“Mata’s extensive research, combined with powerful characterization and compelling narration, creates an intense, provocative novel.” – Publishers Weekly
In the sequel to Lisa’s War, Jesper continues his work for the Danish resistance and recounts the dangers that led to his confinement in a German prison.
Determined to make a difference any way he can, Jesper begins to work for an underground press to help tell the truths about what is happening during the war. Simultaneously, frustrated with the state of their country, Stefan and Jesper join forces to fight the Nazis.
“Mata’s extensive research, combined with powerful characterization and compelling narration, creates an intense, provocative novel.” – Publishers Weekly
152 pages, Hardcover
First published November 26, 1989
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184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 14, 2025
I would have eaten this up as a child
May 23, 2012
I hate reading books about war. But I'm making an exception for this one. It's action packed, yes. But it's not that sketchy. I'd say this one's better than Lisa.
November 14, 2014
The Danish teen resistance during WWII.
July 17, 2012
A childhood favorite.
February 28, 2024
Jesper by Carol Matas is an enthralling narrative set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II. This sequel to Lisa's War follows the remarkable journey of Jesper, a Jewish boy thrust into the heart of the resistance movement, where he assumes the code name Kris and navigates the perilous world of espionage and survival.
From the moment I delved into the first page, I was captivated by Matas's adept storytelling. Her vivid descriptions effortlessly transported me to wartime Copenhagen, immersing me in the palpable tension and emotional depth of the narrative. Through Jesper's eyes, Matas skillfully captures the turmoil of the era, painting a poignant portrait of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
One aspect that particularly impressed me was Matas's adept use of foreshadowing, which added layers of suspense and intrigue to the plot. Despite knowing Jesper's eventual fate from the outset, I found myself utterly engrossed in his journey, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the twists and turns that awaited him.
The character development in Jesper is commendable, with each member of the cast contributing to the richness of the narrative. From Jesper's unwavering determination to Stefan's unwavering loyalty, the characters leap off the page with authenticity and depth. Matas's portrayal of their relationships, fraught with tension and camaraderie, further enhances the emotional resonance of the story.
While some reviewers have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the ending, I found it to be a fitting conclusion to Jesper's tumultuous journey. The blend of triumph and tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this dark chapter of history, leaving a lasting impression on the reader long after the final page is turned.
In conclusion, Jesper by Carol Matas is a compelling tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the human spirit. With its gripping narrative and well-drawn characters, this book is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an immersive and thought-provoking exploration of World War II from a unique perspective.
From the moment I delved into the first page, I was captivated by Matas's adept storytelling. Her vivid descriptions effortlessly transported me to wartime Copenhagen, immersing me in the palpable tension and emotional depth of the narrative. Through Jesper's eyes, Matas skillfully captures the turmoil of the era, painting a poignant portrait of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
One aspect that particularly impressed me was Matas's adept use of foreshadowing, which added layers of suspense and intrigue to the plot. Despite knowing Jesper's eventual fate from the outset, I found myself utterly engrossed in his journey, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the twists and turns that awaited him.
The character development in Jesper is commendable, with each member of the cast contributing to the richness of the narrative. From Jesper's unwavering determination to Stefan's unwavering loyalty, the characters leap off the page with authenticity and depth. Matas's portrayal of their relationships, fraught with tension and camaraderie, further enhances the emotional resonance of the story.
While some reviewers have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the ending, I found it to be a fitting conclusion to Jesper's tumultuous journey. The blend of triumph and tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this dark chapter of history, leaving a lasting impression on the reader long after the final page is turned.
In conclusion, Jesper by Carol Matas is a compelling tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the human spirit. With its gripping narrative and well-drawn characters, this book is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an immersive and thought-provoking exploration of World War II from a unique perspective.
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June 1, 2021This is the 2nd book in Carol Matas's series. Jesper is part of the Underground Resistance movement during WW2 in Denmark. His code name is Kris. This is a page turner. The courage displayed by the teenagers for Denmark and for Jews is remarkable. Some adults would not be able to carry out some of the missions that the teens do. It is a page turner and again there are times that Jesper comes very close to being caught by the Nazi soldiers. I felt like I was right next to him as I read the book.
October 12, 2017
A quick story about a terrible time. Unflinching, Matas doesn't shy away from the unlovlier aspects of our humanity. This story has happened many times, in many places, is happening on some scale somewhere right now. Maybe if we all read this story, really read it, no one would ever again have to live it.
April 9, 2020
Reread this book that I first read in middle school as I’ve been thinking about literature as a mechanism to foster resistance to fascism. I’ve read this book several times in my life & can see its influence looking back — the importance of underground journalism and direct action and how cells can operate well.
November 5, 2021
Estupendo libro de aventuras ambientado en la Dinamarca ocupada por los alemanes en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Su protagonista es Jesper, un joven inocente que poco a poco va a ir tomando partido en la liberación de su país. Muy recomendable su lectura.
April 7, 2018
Stark. A lot of ethical debate. Extremely powerful and well worth the read. Not for kids under 14, unless you're ok with torture and graphic violence.
January 18, 2022
Un libro muy fácil de leer, entretenido y divertido, uno de los favoritos de mi infancia
July 20, 2022
Darker and more brutal than Lisa's War, this novel gives us a harsh and at times, brutal view of the further deterioration of life in Denmark after Lisa and her family escape to Sweden. Loved it.
March 22, 2023
Ame este libro de principio a fin. Lo puedo leer mil veces y sigue siendo de mis favoritos.
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July 11, 2023Read this a hundred times as a child, and enjoyed it every time.
November 11, 2025
Perhaps, though not the very best for the youngest ears, is a wonderful book. Engrossing, involving, thrilling, truly has you along with it. I LOVE IT!! Just did it for fun, and I am so glad I did.
May 24, 2011
Jesper By: Carol Matas.
Jesper is book set in Copenhagen, Denmark during the Holocaust. Jesper and his friend Stefan want to help stop the Nazis so they join the Resistance. Stefan must escape Denmark or the Nazis will kill him, so Jesper must work in the Resistance without him. Along the way to where he is now jail, Jesper helps stop the Nazi revolution.
Best and Worst.
My favortite part of the book was when Jesper and Stefan escape from the jail, because it was a sign that the Nazis had been defeated in Copenhagen and that no one was forgotten. The best thing about the book was definitley the detail because without the detail it would get confusing. My least favorite part about the book was when Janicke died because she was a good worker for the Resistance and Jesper and Stefan were in love with her. The worst thing about the book was the way it switched in and out of Jesper telling his story and his present life. Also I didn't like how it ended it wasn't a good ending.
Characters.
I thought the characters were interesting and suited the book well. I think that the author could have explained each character alittle more because there wasn't that many. The characters were very life like, as if they were real. My favorite character was Janicke because she was a strong women who knew what she wanted, also she was a hard worker when she worked for the Resistance. My least favorie character was Fredrik because he tricked Jesper into telling him he worked for the Resistance.
Jesper is book set in Copenhagen, Denmark during the Holocaust. Jesper and his friend Stefan want to help stop the Nazis so they join the Resistance. Stefan must escape Denmark or the Nazis will kill him, so Jesper must work in the Resistance without him. Along the way to where he is now jail, Jesper helps stop the Nazi revolution.
Best and Worst.
My favortite part of the book was when Jesper and Stefan escape from the jail, because it was a sign that the Nazis had been defeated in Copenhagen and that no one was forgotten. The best thing about the book was definitley the detail because without the detail it would get confusing. My least favorite part about the book was when Janicke died because she was a good worker for the Resistance and Jesper and Stefan were in love with her. The worst thing about the book was the way it switched in and out of Jesper telling his story and his present life. Also I didn't like how it ended it wasn't a good ending.
Characters.
I thought the characters were interesting and suited the book well. I think that the author could have explained each character alittle more because there wasn't that many. The characters were very life like, as if they were real. My favorite character was Janicke because she was a strong women who knew what she wanted, also she was a hard worker when she worked for the Resistance. My least favorie character was Fredrik because he tricked Jesper into telling him he worked for the Resistance.
May 24, 2011
Carol Matas wrought Jesper witch was an extraordinary book.Its about a boy named Jesper who was in the resistance against the Nazi's.
i enjoyed this book because it was vary action packed. It was also vary touching and funny. I also enjoyed the story line behind it. But there was the fact that the author had told you that he was captured at the beginning. I found it sad and i found i knew he was gonna get caught sooner or later.
The plot in this book was amazing, I like how it was all a story. But the one thing that i hated about it was the end (sorry to all people who read this before the book, if you haven't stop reading). I hated how the jail just got bombed and Fredrick died. I wanted them to run away with Fredrick to Sweden and live happily ever after instead of going to Anna's apartment. I did like how Jesper ended up with Lisa in the end but the rest of the ending was terrible.
Alex S
i enjoyed this book because it was vary action packed. It was also vary touching and funny. I also enjoyed the story line behind it. But there was the fact that the author had told you that he was captured at the beginning. I found it sad and i found i knew he was gonna get caught sooner or later.
The plot in this book was amazing, I like how it was all a story. But the one thing that i hated about it was the end (sorry to all people who read this before the book, if you haven't stop reading). I hated how the jail just got bombed and Fredrick died. I wanted them to run away with Fredrick to Sweden and live happily ever after instead of going to Anna's apartment. I did like how Jesper ended up with Lisa in the end but the rest of the ending was terrible.
Alex S
May 23, 2009
I loved this book it was fantastic! Just by reading the first page of this book I knew I was going to love it. Carol did an excellent job on describing the scenery, feelings, and sights throughout this entire book. If I were to have judged a book by it's cover I probably wouldn't have even picked up this book but, my grandma forced me into reading it. She wanted to hear about WWII from another countries perspective and in this case it was the perspective of a Danish boy. This boys name was Jesper code name Kris. He was part of the resistance which was against germany. He was only 17 years old when he joined the resistance and was captured multiple times during the book. Carol forshawdows many times during this book and that is what made it great. Yet, another great historic fictition book that i came to love.
June 15, 2010
Even though this book was about war and the underground revolution against the Nazis, and I'm not one to be seeking these kinds of book out in the library, I really really liked this book. I think the reason that I liked this book so much was because even though it was about war, it wasn't all guns this and killing that, it was more a life story about a young boy who wants to stand up against the Nazis through an underground group and what happens to him throughout his life as an underground soldier.
May 18, 2011
The book Jesper by Carol Matas Was about World War 2, I think.... It wasn't very good, and so I pretty much gave up on it.
The best thing abut the book was...nothing. The book sucked, it was boring and old feeling. The worst part of the book was it all, it was boring, un-eventful and not in our time period, so it was hard to relate to it. It's also not my kind of book, therefore I obviously don't like it. The book I'm reading(willingly) is a lot better, about war and it's very modern, I should have been able to do that one...
The best thing abut the book was...nothing. The book sucked, it was boring and old feeling. The worst part of the book was it all, it was boring, un-eventful and not in our time period, so it was hard to relate to it. It's also not my kind of book, therefore I obviously don't like it. The book I'm reading(willingly) is a lot better, about war and it's very modern, I should have been able to do that one...
June 25, 2014
I've read this book over ten times, and it is still my favorite book of all time. This is the book that launched my interest in World War 2, especially about the Resistance.
Great character-driven novel, and made even better by the fact that a good portion of it syncs with events in Lisa's War (the 'prequel' to this novel), and goes into further detail about events you only scrape upon in Lisa's War. Worth the read for anyone of any age.
Great character-driven novel, and made even better by the fact that a good portion of it syncs with events in Lisa's War (the 'prequel' to this novel), and goes into further detail about events you only scrape upon in Lisa's War. Worth the read for anyone of any age.
June 25, 2014
I've read this book over ten times, and it is still my favorite book of all time. This is the book that launched my interest in World War 2, especially about the Resistance.
Great character-driven novel, and made even better by the fact that a good portion of it syncs with events in Lisa's War (the 'prequel' to this novel), and goes into further detail about events you only scrape upon in Lisa's War. Worth the read for anyone of any age.
Great character-driven novel, and made even better by the fact that a good portion of it syncs with events in Lisa's War (the 'prequel' to this novel), and goes into further detail about events you only scrape upon in Lisa's War. Worth the read for anyone of any age.
February 28, 2015
gr 7-10 152pgs
1943-1945, Denmark. 17 year old Jesper continues to fight in the Resistance after his friends Stefan and Lisa escape to Sweden. The story begins with Jesper imprisoned by the Nazis with Jesper recalling his experiences with the Resistance since his friends left.
Because this story focuses on Jesper's work in the Resistance and people are killed in the attacks and counterattacks, I think this book is better for slightly older audience.
1943-1945, Denmark. 17 year old Jesper continues to fight in the Resistance after his friends Stefan and Lisa escape to Sweden. The story begins with Jesper imprisoned by the Nazis with Jesper recalling his experiences with the Resistance since his friends left.
Because this story focuses on Jesper's work in the Resistance and people are killed in the attacks and counterattacks, I think this book is better for slightly older audience.
May 23, 2011
Well Jesper was not the best book in the world actually i thought it really sucked. It confused me at times when it seemed as though they were skipping parts and going to fast. Either that or i seemed really out of it, but as well as it was not well detailed compared to other books that i've read.
March 28, 2018
I liked this sequel to Lisa'a War. It has a lot more action than the first book and gives the reader a better idea of what went on during the war in Denmark.
I had to read this with some of my students, but I enjoyed the story very much.
I had to read this with some of my students, but I enjoyed the story very much.
May 19, 2016
It's good how he is telling the story about what happened before he was captured while he is in jail. I understand why he felt guilty about liking Lisa when he liked another girl. I think this book is good for people that like books about WWII.
May 5, 2008
my teacher read this book to me and my class last year in grade 5
October 22, 2009
It was a terrirific book if you are interested in war and that sort of thing!!! Tottaly recommend it!
September 2, 2010
A very sad grown up story about a hardened boy in ww2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews