The War that Saved My Life

Books | Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Europe

4.4

(7.3K)

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

* Newbery Honor Book* #1 New York Times Bestseller* Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award * Forbes 25 Top Historical Fiction Books Of All Time selection * Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of the Year selection* New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing selection An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War II, from the acclaimed author of Fighting Words, and for fans of Fish in a Tree and Number the Stars. Ten-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 sneaks out to join him. So begins a new adventure for 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."Achingly lovely...Nuanced and emotionally acute."—The Wall Street Journal"Unforgettable...unflinching."—Common Sense Media "Touching...Emotionally charged." —Forbes★ “Brisk and honest...Cause for celebration.” —Kirkus, starred review★ "Poignant."—Publishers Weekly, starred review★ "Powerful."—The Horn Book, starred review"Affecting."—Booklist"Emotionally satisfying...[A] page-turner."—BCCB“Exquisitely written...Heart-lifting.” —SLJ"Astounding...This book is remarkable."—Karen Cushman, author The Midwife's Apprentice"Beautifully told."—Patricia MacLachlan, author of Sarah, Plain and Tall"I read this novel in two big gulps."—Gary D. Schmidt, author of Okay for Now"I love Ada's bold heart...Her story's riveting."—Sheila Turnage, author of Three Times Lucky

World War 2

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More Details:

Author

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Pages

320

Publisher

Penguin

Published Date

2015-01-08

ISBN

1101637803 9781101637807

Ratings

Google: 4.5

Community ReviewsSee all

"Wow! I was wondering how a war could save you but I wasn't expecting this at all I love the idea I love that its #historical_fiction I also love ada and how in the end she had a family who loved her and friends who did too. I love the way that it really slowly shows Ada getting over all the abuse and torment from her mothers abuse all her life. The story is heartbreaking 💔 but the end had me crying happy tears for them, this book is wonderfully written. #abuse #war #ww2 #sadbutamazing "

Paige H

"Amazing book, this is a historical fiction, a young abused girl finds a new life and self love in the middle of a bloody war"

Elle Gutierrez

"Very charming and convincing character development. Very heart warming story in a sad setting. You really end up caring about Aida and the other characters deeply. 6/10, only because I prefer deeper books, but a great story. :)"

PlayLyss

"It created a safe space for me. "

Mars

"YES YES middle school me is screaming i love love love this book and i encourage all middle schoolers to read it!! this book got me into world war 2"

A F

Autumn Ferguson

"I struggled with leaving a star review for this book. Initially, it was a three, the book was well written, including historical facts, and followed a straight forward plot. Unfortunately, I didn't fall in love with the characters or the book overall. The ending is what shifted my opinion to closer to a four star, maybe 3.5. Ada and Jamie, two children who are living in a terrible world with their mother. She abuses them, mistreats them, and specifically attacks Ada for her disability. With the threat of war looming around the corner, Ada makes an escape with her brother as evacuees. They travel to the country and find themselves left with a woman who doesn't seem to want them. Ironically, Susan is the one person that will change their lives, but with a lot of hard work and help from a few friends, and a pony named Butter. There are many ups and downs in their lives as they learn to adjust. Ada is also dealing with he disability and learning that she doesn't have to be crippled her whole life anymore. Each character struggles through a personal journey of healing, while the war acts as a catalyst. I would recommend this book at any age. It's characters are youthful and living through their own personal war. There is historical aspects of the story, and adult problems that will entice even the older reader. Like I said I didn't fall in love with this book overall, but by the ending I am happy I picked it up for a read."