Bibliographic Data
Bradley,
Kimberly Brubaker. 2015. THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE. New York:
Dial Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 9780803740815
Plot
Ada, a
disfigured 10 year old girl, lives in poverty-stricken London during World War
II. Never allowed to leave her
apartment, she has no clue what lies beyond her view from their third story
window, but she longs to find out.
Feeling unloved and unwanted by her mother, Ada escapes her confinement
and joins her brother and the other children at his school who are being
relocated to the country for their safety during the war. Ada experiences a multitude of joys and
troubles, as she navigates being part of the world for the first time, being
different than others, and learning how to trust the love and friendship that
is offered to her.
Critical Analysis
Kimberly
Brubaker Bradley has crafted a masterpiece in the story of Ada Smith: a young girl who has lived her life unloved,
unwanted, and unaware of the simple joys that await her beyond the view of her
apartment window. Ada’s naiveté paired
with her genuine intelligence and bravery makes for an impactful, emotional
story, as she struggles to learn how to behave in social situations, how to converse
while lacking basic vocabulary, and how to survive from day to day when she isn’t
sure what love and family actually look like.
Readers will cry during her struggles and rejoice at her victories; but
most of all they will applaud her courage and determination for pressing on in
every challenging situation.
Settings
are honestly depicted, from the dirty, noisy streets of London to the rolling
expanse of grass and ocean in the country.
The hardships of wartime are evident through the stories of those who
give up their children for fear of their safety, and those who take them in,
some unwillingly, and struggle to provide when government rations become more
scarce. Without being gruesome or
instilling fear, the author accurately depicts life in World War II, from
blackout curtains and underground shelters to bombings, spies, and casualties
of war. All while telling a story of
family, belonging, friendship, and love.
This is truly a book not to be missed!
Review Excerpts
"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." —The Wall Street Journal
“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.” —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
Connections
- Read Jefferson’s Sons by the same author
- Read other World War II stories such as Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff or Duke by Kirby Larson
- Include in a study of World War II
- Include in a study of social justice, disabilities, or diversity
Awards and Honors
- Newbery Honor Book
- #1 New York Times Bestseller
- Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School)
- Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of 2015
- New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing
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