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.

Wonder

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Author: R.J Palacio

Awards: Bluebonnet award

Grade level: 3rd-8th grade

Wonder is an amazing fiction children's literature book written by R.J. Palacio. It has many awards including the Bluebonnet award. They also released a movie in 2017 based off of this award-winning novel! This book could be used for a wide range of children, from about 3rd grade-8th grade! This book is about a young boy named August (Auggie) who was born with severe deformities. He wants everyone else to see him as ordinary but feels like he is the only one that sees himself as ordinary. Throughout the novel, we see the many challenges Auggie faces while transitioning from home-school to middle school, but we are also able to see the point of view from the people around Auggie and involved in his life. The reader is able to see how difficult life is for Auggie as well as the people around Auggie. This book truly shows an amazing journey of the struggles Auggie has, as well as the celebrations he has as he becomes more comfortable and gets a sense of belonging at his school.

As a teacher, I would definitely use this book in my classroom! I think it is an amazing story for students to hear, and it will teach the students amazing lessons on being kind and accepting others even if they might look different. I think a good grade level for this is 3rd through 8th because the students will be able to better understand what Auggie is going through and understand the many perspectives throughout the book. This book would be great to have students read and then have discussions about what they read and talk to them about the different viewpoints in the book. It would also be a good idea to have the students keep a book log while reading just so they can write down their opinions on the style of writing in the book.