The War that Saved my Life (316Pages)

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley has written a wonderful book that reminded me of another similar book, Goodnight Mr. Tom, one of my all time favorite YA books! Ada Smith and her little brother Jamie are living in a very poor part of London. They live with their mother in a one room apartment. Their mother works nights in a pub downstairs. Ada was born with a club foot. Her mother will not allow her to leave the room. Ever. Her mother is humiliated by her. She constantly tells Ada that she is a horrible person, and people would be disgusted if the saw her foot. And then the children of London were evacuated out of the city. Ada and Jamie end up living with a woman named Susan Smith. For the first time in her life, Ada sees green grass and trees. The book continues to see the children not only grow and gain some weight, but Susan gets them new clothes, and allows them to go outside whenever they want. While outside, Ada finds a pony that belongs to Susan. She finds she is able to teach herself how to ride it. Oh, this book has emotional ups and downs. It is worthwhile for students to read it and learn new vocabulary along with Ada and Jamie. They will enjoy it immensely!