The War That Saved My Life

Posted byLi-Berry-ianPosted inUncategorized
Click on the cover for a link to purchase the book.

5-Historical Fiction

Bibliography: Bradley, K. B. (2015). The War That Saved My Life. Narrated by Jayne Entwistle. New York: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group.

ISBN-13 : 978-0147510488

Plot Summary:

Ada and her brother Jaime live in a one bedroom apartment with their mother. Ada is physically and emotionally abused by her mother because of her club foot. She is not allowed to leave the home and have a childhood like her brother. When the children are shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada takes a chance to have a real life. She sneaks out with her brother and is taken in by Susan Smith. Susan is a reluctant caretaker that never wanted kids. With the help of her horse, Butter and a community that embraces the siblings, Ada and Jamie begin healing from their traumatic childhood. They find love and acceptance and the true meaning of family.

Analysis:

Jayne Entwistle narrates the book as the voice of Ada. She slightly changes her voice as the different characters talk. Eventually you can distinguish each character by their tone. Ada’s tone changes and grows as her character does. In the beginning she has a whine in her voice that grows into a defiance and eventually a confidence. The narrator does a fantastic job during intense scenes. When Ada is having a panic attack I often found myself holding my breath or even crying with her.

The book begins with Ada getting hit for simply looking out the window. The reader learns from the first few words that Ada’s mom is a nasty woman. You also learn quickly about the bond the siblings share. Ada is certain Jamie will share his food with her because he always has.

Early on, the kids are getting shipped off to escape the war. I did not know this part of history. From reading articles about this time, I can see the author was very authentic in her writing. Kids were sent to other families for a stipend. Not every family was welcoming and not every child stayed.

Susan Smith took the siblings in very reluctantly. She was still mourning the loss of a loved one and had no intention of having children. Susan and Ada evolved the most throughout the book. As a reader you can see the softness and love Susan felt for the siblings.

There were very emotional and intense parts in the book. I found myself in tears often. I choose this book because it was a favorite of my own youngest daughter. She read this book twice and has been asking me to read it also. There were times when I went to her in tears about different parts and she could not remember them. The author brilliantly told a story that a young reader could relate to and love. The same story could touch and move an older reader with its deeper meaning.

The story takes place in WW2. War surrounds and affects them daily. Yet the story was about self discovery and acceptance. The overall message of love and family is what the reader will leave with.

Reviews:

“The home-front realities of WWII, as well as Ada’s realistic anger and fear, come to life in Bradley’s affecting and austerely told story, and readers will cheer for steadfast Ada as she triumphs over despair.” —Booklist

“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

“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

Awards:

Connections:

Continue the beautiful story of Ada’s life with the companion book, The War I Finally Won. ISBN-13 : 978-0147516817

Have each student create a Venn Diagram comparing their life with the life of their favorite character. Model the activity by comparing yourself to Susan Smith.

Accommodations:

Build prior knowledge by looking at maps of Europe and pinning where the characters lived and traveled.

Watch actual footage of children that were evacuated from their homes.

Leave a comment