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The War That Saved My Life

The War that Saved My Life 

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley 

Summary: This story follows the lives of a young brother and sister duo, Ada and Jamie Smith, during World War II. These siblings have grown up in the same house with their mother, who they call Mam, but with two very different lives. Jamie, a 7 year-old, is the youngest, and for the most part, has a normal life that includes going to school and playing with his friends around the block. Ada, on the other hand, who is 11 years-old, lives the life of a crippled and abused shut-in. This is in thanks to her Mam, who is embarrassed by the fact that she had a daughter with a club foot. Because of her foot, Ada cannot walk correctly and is not allowed to go outside of their London flat. However, that all changes when the Germans invade and their city is predicted to be bombed.

For Ada and Jamie's safety, not only from the bombs, but also from Mam, they runaway with Jamie's local school to the countryside in Kent. Here they are forced upon a woman named Susan Smith, who is at first apprehensive to care for them, but in time Susan begins to love the children dearly. And needless to say, Ada and Jamie's lives change dramatically as they learn and experience new things and are actually cared for in a real home. While non of them realize it at first, the children need Susan, and she needs them; and in the end, they really o save each others' lives. 

Review: This book sent my emotions everywhere! I was horrified by the abuse and neglect that Ada and Jamie experienced in their "home" in London. I was thankful to see them escape their situation and start a fresh with someone who would care for them, at the very least, physiologically. I was elated to see Ada experience walking with crutches or riding a horse. I also was frustrated, heartbroken, and relieved by other situations in this book and reading it just made me very thankful for the blessings in my life and the home in which I was raised. I definitely would recommend this book for young readers. It has many advanced vocabulary words, yet is still easy enough to read. Most of the chapters are not extremely short, but they are short enough to not discourage a young reader. I would probably recommend this book for 4th and 5th graders.

Awards: Newbery Honor Book


-The Green Eyed Reader
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