The War That Saved My Life

Genre: Historial fiction

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Awards: Newberry honor book
Grade level: 3rd-7/8th grade

This book is a truly amazing book about a young girl named Ada set during the time of World War II. Ada was born with a clubfoot and was unable to walk much without assistance. Ada's abusive mother saw her as an inconvenience and never allowed her to go outside and made her stay locked up in the family's apartment. One day, Ada's leaves London with her brother Jamie because of the war going on. Ada's mom didn't intend to send Ada away, but Ada was able to sneak away with Jamie early one morning. After they leave the country, they are taken in by a lovely woman named Miss Susan Smith. Miss. Smith helps Ada realize that she is wanted, and she shows Ada what love truly is. Ada is able to do so many things such as ride a pony, learn to walk, and even make friends. Sadly, Ada's mother shows up because she received a letter saying if the kids were to stay in that country she would have to pay, which she definitely didn't want to do. When the children arrive back home in London, it is obvious that their mother hasn't changed, but Ada is more confident and stands up to her mother. She tells her that they will go back to Miss Smith and she won't have to pay, and Ada's mother agrees because she never really wanted them. Before the children can leave, bombs begin to strike London. They safely make it to a bomb shelter and to their surprise, Miss. Smith is waiting for them when they get out. They go back to Miss Smith's house only to find out that her house had been bombed, and she is grateful because she believes the children saved her life.

I absolutely love this book! It is very sad, but I think it is a great book to have in the classroom. I put the grade range between 3rd-7/8th grade because World War II is an intense topic, and I think this book would be better understood by children in late elementary school-middle school. In my classroom, I would probably use this book during a History unit and have it was the main part of discussion through class. I also think it would be great to do a book club over this book as well.