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The War That Saved My Life

 

(Picture from Goodreads.com)

1.       Bibliography

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. 2015. THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE. Narrated by Jayne Entwistle. [Audiobook]. Follet Audiobook. Solon, OH: Findaway World. ISBN 978-1-101-89062-2

 

2.       Plot Summary

Ten-year-old Ada have never left the apartment she shares with her brother and mother. Her mother, being humiliated by Ada’s club foot, does not allow her to leave, ever. When World War II comes to London, Ada devises a plan to escape with her brother who is being evacuated with the other children. Ada and Jamie end up with Susan Smith, who wants nothing to do with them, ends up taking them in. Ada learns how to ride a pony, makes friends, and starts walking with the help of crutches. Slowly but surely, Susan grows to love the children and they create an unbreakable bond. The question was, when or if will their mother come get them? When their mother finally arrives, neither child wants to return to the abuse and squalor of their past. They work together to escape the unwanted clutches of their mother and return to Susan, who was desperately seeking them as well.

3.       Critical Analysis

Ignorance and abuse during the time of WWII are brought to light through the journey Ada takes to freedom. Being repressed because of her untreated club foot, her mother is spiteful and vicious in her treatment towards the child. Showing the love and compassion of people, Bradley shows how efforts from people during the wartimes can help those in need.

The time period reflects the events of WWII accurately and the fear of bombing on the people of England. The children in this story find a better home and help an adult (Susan) also learn to accept herself and open her heart to love.

 

Susan’s relationship is alluded to in this story, but never specifically stated. She graduated from university and went on to live with her best friend, but people knew they were a couple. When Susan’s partner, Becky, died, she went into a state of depression and thought she’d never love. The children saved her just as much as she saved them.

 

The audio version of this book is a pleasure to listen to. Streaming through Follett Audio, the story flows smoothly, does not need to be sped up, and is clear to hear. The female narrator, Jayne Entwistle, reads clearly and with enthusiasm. The emotion and tone of the speaker is engaging and draws you into the story. She does the voices of others and stay consistent throughout the reading, and she also does sound effects of sirens that sound real. She has a slight accent that would be appropriate for the place and time.



4.       Awards/ Reviews

*A Newbery Honor Book
*Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School)
*Winner of the Josette Frank Award
*Winner of the Sunshine State Young Readers Award
*Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of 2015
*New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing
*Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books 2015
*Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2015
*Kirkus Best Books of 2015
*Horn Book Fanfare Book 2015

*"Achingly lovely . . . Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada's stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories." —The Wall Street Journal

★ “Ada's voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity. . . . Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally. Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada's personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.” —Kirkus, starred review

★ "Proving that her courage and compassion carry far more power than her disability, Ada earns self-respect, emerges a hero, and learns the meaning of home. "—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Involving, poignant, nuanced . . . This is a feel-good story, but an earned one . . . distinct and powerful in its own right." —The Horn Book, starred review

* "There is much to like here—Ada's engaging voice, the vivid setting, the humor, the heartbreak, but most of all the tenacious will to survive." —School Library Journal

5.       Connections

This book would be good for grades 4-7 to teach themes of abuse, living with illness and disabilities, overcoming challenges, foster care, siblings, WWII, acceptance, family, and self-concept.

 

You could also use this book in literature circles with WWII themes. Below are some books that could be used:

Literature Circle: WWII Theme
Prisoner B-3087 - Alan Gratz
The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak
Echo: A Novel - Pam Munoz Ryan
Number the Stars - Lois Lowry
Code Name Verity - Elizabeth Wein
The Devil's Arithmetic - Jane Yolen
Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne
Between Shades of Grey - Ruta Sepetys
Paper Wishes -  Lois Sepahban

 

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