The War that Saved My Life

📘 About This Book

* Newbery Honor Book * #1 New York Times Bestseller * Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award * Forbes 25 Top Historical Fiction Books Of All Time selection * Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of the Year selection * New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing selection An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War II, from the acclaimed author of Fighting Words, and for fans of Fish in a Tree and Number the Stars. Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him. So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother? This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making. "Achingly lovely...Nuanced and emotionally acute."—The Wall Street Journal "Unforgettable...unflinching."—Common Sense Media "Touching...Emotionally charged." —Forbes ★ “Brisk and honest...Cause for celebration.” —Kirkus, starred review ★ "Poignant."—Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ "Powerful."—The Horn Book, starred review "Affecting."—Booklist "Emotionally satisfying...[A] page-turner."—BCCB “Exquisitely written...Heart-lifting.” —SLJ "Astounding...This book is remarkable."—Karen Cushman, author The Midwife's Apprentice "Beautifully told."—Patricia MacLachlan, author of Sarah, Plain and Tall "I read this novel in two big gulps."—Gary D. Schmidt, author of Okay for Now "I love Ada's bold heart...Her story's riveting."—Sheila Turnage, author of Three Times Lucky

📖 Summary

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s compelling historical fiction novel, The War that Saved My Life, transports readers to the tumultuous era of World War II to tell an unforgettable story of resilience, freedom, and unexpected healing. Published in 2015 and spanning 322 pages, this Newbery Honor Book and New York Times bestseller captures the heart-wrenching realities of wartime Britain through the eyes of a deeply resilient ten-year-old protagonist named Ada. For her entire life, Ada has been confined to a dreary, one-room London apartment. Her mother keeps her hidden away, consumed by cruel humiliation over Ada’s physical disability, specifically a twisted foot. Because of this abuse and neglect, Ada knows almost nothing of the outside world, nature, or kindness. She has learned to crawl across the floor and endure endless harsh treatment, believing herself to be fundamentally broken and unworthy of love. However, the looming threat of World War II brings drastic changes to London. As the city prepares for bombing raids, authorities begin evacuating children to the safety of the countryside. When Ada's little brother, Jamie, is selected to be shipped out of London, Ada seizes a rare and terrifying opportunity. Desperate for freedom and determined not to be left behind, she defies her mother, sneaks out of the apartment, and joins Jamie on the evacuation train. This daring escape marks the beginning of a profound and life-altering adventure for Ada. Upon arriving in the English countryside, the children are placed in the care of Susan Smith, a reluctant and grieving woman who lives alone and initially feels entirely unequipped to care for anyone, let alone two traumatized children. Susan herself is mourning a profound loss and has kept herself isolated from the community. Yet, as Ada and Jamie enter her home, a tentative and transformative bond begins to form. Under Susan's care, Ada experiences the wonders of the natural world for the very first time, learns how to ride a horse, discovers the joy of learning, and slowly starts to untangle the heavy emotional burdens of her past. The country setting provides a stark contrast to the dark, confining apartment she grew up in, offering her fresh air, open spaces, and safety. Throughout the novel, Ada faces numerous challenges, including the ongoing anxieties of the war, her own lingering self-doubt, and the terrifying prospect of what might happen if she ever has to return to her mother. As she navigates these hurdles, she discovers inner strengths she never knew she possessed. The narrative brilliantly explores themes of courage, self-worth, and the healing power of love and community. Bradley crafts a deeply moving protagonist in Ada, whose sharp observations and fierce determination make her instantly endearing to readers of all ages. The relationship that develops between Ada and Susan demonstrates how two wounded souls can mend each other through patience, understanding, and steadfast loyalty. Rich with historical detail and emotional depth, the book shows how the devastation of war paradoxically creates a pathway to liberation and new beginnings for a little girl who was once completely trapped. Ultimately, this celebrated work of juvenile fiction resonates deeply, offering a poignant testament to the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.

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Kimberly Brubaker BradleyView all books →

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