#3 - HISTORICAL FICTION
THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE
AUTHOR: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life. NY: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. ISBN 9780147510488
PLOT SUMMARY
During WWII, young Ada escapes Hitler's bombs and her mother's wrath with her brother to the countryside of London. Ada starts a new life for herself with Susan Smith. With Susan Smith, Ada learns to enjoy life and thus begins her journey of self-discovery, becoming independent with her club foot. Will Ada have to return to her mother or will she be able to continue or the new life with Susan Smith?
CRICTIAL ANALYSIS
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley weaves together a beautiful historical novel about a brave young girl that faces many obstacles in her young life and her journey of self-discovery. Ada has a twisted foot, even though her mother tries to hide her away from the world, she finds a way to escape her own prison. Bradley creates a strong character in Ada as she escapes the mental and physical abuse of her mother. Many examples are shown throughout the book that also shows Ava as a strong young lady as learns to ride a pony for the first time, learns to read, her escape from her mother, and the ability to trust in Susan Smith. The plot and setting of The War That Saved My Life stay consistent throughout the book as Lilly leaves her home of London for the safety of the countryside during the bombings of WWII as many children did stay with families that took them in. The theme of the novel is about self-discovery, acceptance, and family. Bradley does an amazing job with Ava as she slowly accepts Susan into her life, after all, she never had a good role-model of a family. Soon learns that Susan, Ada, and Jamie were meant to be a family. Bradley is an exceptional writer that blends history into fiction.
AWARDS AND REVIEWS
- Newbery Honor Book Honor - 2016
- Odyssey Award Award 2016
- Schneider Family Book Award - 2016
- Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award - 2015
- Winner of the Josette Frank Award - 2015
- Wall Street Journals Best Children’s Books - 2015
- New York Public Library’s 100 Books for Reading and Sharing - 2015
- Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books - 2015
- Publishers Weekly Best Books - 2015
- Kirkus Best Books - 2015
- Horn Book Fanfare Book - 2015
* "Achingly lovely...will have readers wincing at Ada's stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories." - The Wall Street Journal
* "THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE is an unforgettable gripping story, one that is not only earmarked to be an award-winning novel but also has the potential of becoming an all-time classic." - KidsReads
* "Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada's personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration." - Kirkus Review
* "THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE is an unforgettable gripping story, one that is not only earmarked to be an award-winning novel but also has the potential of becoming an all-time classic." - KidsReads
* "Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada's personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration." - Kirkus Review
CONNECTIONS
Activities To Use With This Book:
* Research the history of WWII and share with class - students can create a powerpoint or Prezi presentation to share with the class.
* Research kids and adults with disabilities in the early 1900's.
* Research kids that escaped Hitler and went to the country of families that took them in.
Book Connections:
* Jefferson's Sons - ISBN # 9781101529454
* For Freedom - ISBN # 9780440418313
* The Presiden's Daughter - ISBN # 9780923891237
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