The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

 

Title: The War That Saved My Life

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Illustrated: None

Genre: Historical Fiction, Novel

Major Awards: John Newbery Medal

Ages: 9 and up

Summary:

This story is about a ten-year old girl, named Ada Smith, who's right foot was affected by the clubfoot. Ada lived in a small apartment in London with her mother and her little brother. Ada's mother, who was also known as 'Mam,' was too ashamed of  her daughter to even let her go outside because of her deformed right foot. So, 'Mam' made Ada stay in the house for as long as she lived. Ada lived with her six-year old brother, Jamie Smith too, and he would always take care of his older sister. One day, Ada tried escaping the house, and when her mother found out, she beat Ada up, until Ada's shoulder bled. Nevertheless, 'Mam' would always neglect Ada, and she would always treat her like a servant. 'Mam' would always abuse Ada. During this time, World War II had started. The Britain began to evacuate children from London, and when Ada found out, she also wanted to be evacuated with the children. Ada's mother, however, did not allow Ada to be evacuated because she believed that nobody would want to take care of Ada, since Ada she had an affected clubfoot. So, Ada taught herself how to walk. Ada, then moved in with a stranger named, Susan Smith, who in the beginning did not want to take care of Ada and Jamie Smith. Susan lived alone. It took a while until Susan Smith began to feel affection and empathy for Ada and Jamie Smith. Susan Smith was like a mother that Ada and Jamie Smith did not have because she was all of the contrary of what their biological mother really was. Unlike,'Mam,' Susan Smith allowed Ada to go outside. Thanks to Susan Smith, Ada was able to learn how to ride horses, she was able to learn how to read and learn how to write. Ada was able to realize that her clubfoot had nothing to do with her intelligence. Ada and Jamie loved Susan Smith so much, but it got to a point where Jamie Smith wanted to go back to his mother. Even though Jamie wanted to go back to his mother, he still supported his older sister because she had told him that she did not want to move back to her abusive mother. Ada wanted to operate her clubfoot, but when Susan tried to get in contact with Ada's mother, Ada's mother came back and took her children with her. 'Mam,' continued to abuse Ada, even more. In the end,when Susan went to look for Ada and Jamie, Susan's house blew up. This time, Ada and Jamie Smith moved in permanently with Susan Smith. This ending saved the lives of Ada and Jamie Smith from being in an abusive environment and Susan's life for rescuing them.

Book Evaluation:

1) I would recommend this book to my students because it is based on historical events. This gives them an idea of what it must have been like to be exposed in war, and an idea of what is like to be  in an abusive home as well. I really liked how the story line kept me entertained, and I liked how it ended.

2) I would recommend this book for the grade level of Fourth grade and up.

3) I would use this book in the unit of History. I would have a popcorn questions for every table and have them discuss it among each other.