THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE

 

Bibliography:

Bradley, Kimberly. 2016. THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE.  Puffin Books. ISBN: 0147510481

Plot Summary:

Ada has never left her one-room apartment in the 10 years she has been alive. Her mom is embarrassed by her twisted food, so she doesn’t allow her outside. When her brother is shipped off to escape the war, Ava sneaks out to join him. She begins an adventure she never expected and along the way, she meets Susan Smith who is forced to take in the two kids. Ada learns to ride a pony, read, and watch for German spies. As she begins to trust Susan and Susan begins to love the kids’ things during the war aren’t easy so will they be able to keep their bond together and make it through the war?

Critical Analysis:

 This book is a great story, especially for anyone who loves learning about WW2, and the Holocaust, and simply loves learning about the past. The book talks about heartache and abuse from those who should love you and you are constantly feeling a variety of emotions as you read this story. This would be a great book to read along with Number the Stars and/or Diary of Anne Frank. I enjoyed reading this book to see how it was during WW2 and seeing another side of what it was like for kids who were sent away to be saved. It allows you to see two broken women find love as a family with one another and to find peace. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

Review Awards and Excerpt(s):

A Newbery Honor Book
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School)
Winner of the Josette Frank Award
Winner of the Sunshine State Young Readers Award
Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of 2015
New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing
Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books 2015
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2015
Kirkus Best Books of 2015
Horn Book Fanfare Book 2015

★ “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 fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.” —Kirkus, 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. "—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Involving, poignant, nuanced . . . This is a feel-good story, but an earned one . . . distinct and powerful in its own right." —The Horn Book, starred review

"There is much to like here—Ada's engaging voice, the vivid setting, the humor, the heartbreak, but most of all the tenacious will to survive." —School Library Journal

Connections:

-          Compare this book with other themed books.

-          Read other books by Kimberly Bradley and compare the themes and characters.

-          Create timelines of Ada’s life, and/or WW2

-          Learning about disabilities and how they can affect others in various ways.