An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars. Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she … doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.
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The War That Saved My Life is one of my favorite books I have read this year. It is about a girl living in London who has a club foot and a very bad mother and Hitler is about to drop bombes because London and some other places are at war. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!
While I do not reccomend this as a childrens book, it was very entertaining. I have to admit, I was not expecting to cry during this, but I did.
I enjoyed this book but loathed the story, only because Bradley crafted the effects of abuse and neglect so well, that I recalled to mind actual, former students who also suffered abuse and their issues with self-esteem, trust, and love. This is a Newbery Honor Book, which makes me curious as to what was the 2016 winner, so the abuse is not …
The War that Saved My Life was such a wonderful but heart-wrenching read. I finished it in one day and I still find myself wondering how the characters are doing. A great story of strength, resilience, love and the family we choose.
Woah, all I can say is WOAH! I just can’t believe it ! I am a teacher at one of the schools in Philadelphia and you know what I am totally reading my 6th graders this book!! Really though I am allowing my students to probably read some other books you have done, Kimberly, even though you probably don’t have any more hopefully you do!! Please let …
This book has become my new obsession! I agree whole-heartedly that it is “a classic in the making.”
For my full review, please visit: https://www.krwardbookreview.com/2021/05/the-war-that-saved-my-life-by-kimberly.html
My son and I both loved this book! We read it together and I keep telling people to read it with their kids. We were able to discuss a lot of event surrounding WWII without it being horrifying. Strongly recommend this book!
Book Review: The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (2015) (Middle Grade) (Historical Fiction/Fiction) 5 Stars *****
Set in the WWII era in London, England and its surroundings, siblings Ada and Jamie are taken from their London hovel into the English countryside as a precaution against the anticipated blitz by Hitler’s forces. …
mam was so mean yet ada was smart so she learnd
It’s thrilling.
Excellent. So many worthy themes in this story: the bond of love, damages inflicted by an unloving parent, wartime bonding and resourcefulness. The list goes on. I will definitely seek other books by this author. I also plan to recommend it to my bookclub and others.
Even though this is a YA story, it’s such a fantastic read for all ages, I had to share. The story is so well-thought out, and the characters are so true, that I savored every scene.
I loved the circumstances–a crippled girl trying to find herself despite her circumstances and the constant threat of war, and I loved the unfurling of her journey …
I loved this book so much that I gave it to my “reluctant reader” tween-ager to read when I finished it. She cannot put it down and keeps talking about Ada and her horse Butter every chance she gets. I’m about to start the sequel and can’t wait to see how it ends.
The WWII setting came alive and with it the angst, sacrifices, and moments of new found loving relationships and family. A wonderful read for all ages.
It is amazing
is awsome and amazing at the same time
This is such an amazing book! I am currently reading this in my 7th grade english class and I’m glad that my teacher chose this book. All of the characters are amazing and Ada is such an inspiration, to just keep trying!
Best book in Children’s literature that I have read in a long time. I would rate this book up with Wonder and Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Set during WWII, the protagonist learns about trust and love–things that she didn’t know when she lived with her abusive mother.
If you are looking for strong women characters this is the book for you. This girl overcomes tremendous odds.,
Loved this book. Loved the girl’s determination to keep trying despite her challenges.