Posted by The War That Saved My Life is a New York Times bestseller by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. It is set in World War II, but is relatable to readers today.
Ada has never stepped outside her house because her mother is embarrassed by Ada’s disability, a twisted foot. So, Ada sits on a chair by her window and watches the other kids play games and socialize, including her brother Jamie. Ada’s life is stressful, being hidden in a cramped room. She watches her every move, makinsure she doesn’t upset her mother, who will lock her in a small closet with roaches if she steps out of line.
The mother lets Jamie stay with someone in a nearby village to save him from the war, but makes Ada stay with her. But Ada ends up escaping with Jamie, and starts to live a life much different than the one she had led before. All in all, it was the war that ended up changing her life.. Readers will find out what happens when the war is over. Will she go back to her mother and face abuse? Or, will she find a way to stay with her new loving guardian?
I enjoyed how the author made Ada so lovable. She was sweet, charming, and full of heart. It was cool to see the way Ada grew throughout the story. I felt myself feeling immense emotions for all of the characters in this book. It was like watching a basketball game. I got anxious when she was losing and cheered when she was winning.
I recommend this book to readers who can relate to Ada in the sense of being treated differently because of the way you look. Ada had been pushed away by several people because of her twisted foot. But, if they had got to know her, they would have realized she was compassionate and saw more than her disability.
I recommend this book to readers ages 8-12. This book is great for people who love historical fiction, I’m reading it for my historical fiction unit in school!
Wish I could give it five, but this book gets four out of four roses!
Elena Reads and Reviews 