independent reading level: grade 4-7

awards:
Newbery Honor
#1 New York Times bestseller
Schneider Family Book Award
Odyssey Award
Josette Frank Award
Judy Lopez Memorial Award
WSJ Best Book of the Year
E.B. White Read Aloud Honor Book
HornBook Fanfare List

The War That Saved My Life is a compelling historical fiction novel set during World War II. The story follows Ada Smith, a young girl with a clubfoot who has been kept isolated and abused by her mother in their London apartment. When Ada and her brother Jamie are evacuated to the countryside as part of Operation Pied Piper, Ada finds herself in the care of Susan Smith, a woman who initially resists taking them in but gradually becomes a source of love and stability for Ada and Jamie. As the war rages on, Ada learns to overcome her physical and emotional scars, forging deep bonds of friendship and discovering her own strength and resilience in the process. In the classroom, The War That Saved My Life can be used to enhance students' understanding of history and empathy. Teachers can guide students in researching and discussing the historical context of World War II, including the evacuation of children from London and the experiences of those living in wartime Britain. Additionally, the book offers opportunities for exploring themes such as disability, trauma, and the importance of compassion and acceptance.

What I appreciated most about this novel was the brilliant way it captured how people (especially children) respond to trauma. Bradley's characters respond in irrational and counterproductive ways, but you completely understand why they do it and where they are coming from. I also really appreciated the perfect balance between ugliness and hope.

I’m so glad this book was recommended to me. It’s historical fiction and really paints the picture of children who were evacuated in England in WWII.

Ada is 10 and has never been out of her one room apartment in London. She’s never been to school nor played with friends and is mistreated by her mother because Ada is “crippled” and to be kept away from everyone. She has a club foot and has to slide around the floor. Her mother treats her like dirt. Ada cares for her little brother Jamie who is 6. Jamie gets to go to school and learns that the school children are all going to be evacuated. Ada forces herself to learn to walk and with her brother, escapes from her mother and gets on the train with the other children. They arrive in Kent and are the last children picked by the local people. In fact, the lady in charge has to take them and practically force Susan Smith to take the children.

Their lives change dramatically and they find they know little about the world they live in. Ada has the most to learn because she can’t even read or write. Susan never wanted children and doesn’t know how to care for them. However, she learns and keeps trying and gives them more than a safe place to live.

Ada struggles to feel worthy of any kindness and has anxiety issues because of the abuse from her mother. She is afraid to hope for a better life. Her struggles are hard and depicted so the reader really feels for Ada and wants her to give hoe and Susan a chance The pony, Butter, is her lifeline and a way to meet others.

The characters are genuine and interesting and the challenges real and not glossed over. The war comes closer and closer to their village and over the months and all they go through, the three become close.

Well written! ( )