The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Bibliography: 

Bradley, K. B. (2016). The war that saved my life. Puffin Books.

Plot Summary: 

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 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?

Critical Analysis:

I was thoroughly absorbed by this wonderful book. I loved it! It touched my heart. Set in the early years of World War II It follows the experiences of two young evacuees, brother and sister, escaping from awful lives in London. Their transformation, especially in the older child while they are away, makes for wonderful reading. Born at the beginning of the war myself I found lots to remind me of those difficult years. The story centers round the hardships of war and themes of cruelty, low self esteem, disability, lack of love, learning to trust and and the healing of emotional damage. I would love to describe so much more about this beautiful and such a readable book but I don't want to stray into 'spoilers' territory.

Review Excerpt: 

The Wall Street Journal

Achingly lovely . . . Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada's stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories.

Kirkus (starred review)

Ada's voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity. . . . Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally. Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada's personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.

Publisher's Weekly (starred review) 

Proving that her courage and compassion carry far more power than her disability, Ada earns self-respect, emerges a hero, and learns the meaning of home.

Connections:

Q&A with Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/84014-q-a-with-kimberly-brubaker-bradley.html

More on WWII: The different countries involved and stories from all the different views

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