The War That Saved My Life facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Kimberly Brubaker Bradley |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher | Dial Books for Young Readers |
|
Publication date
|
2015 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 316 |
| Followed by | The War I Finally Won |
The War that Saved My Life, written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, is a 2015 children’s historical novel published by Dial Books for Young Readers. This book tells the story of a young girl named Ada who has a clubfoot and lives a very difficult life in London. When World War II begins, she gets a chance to escape her old life and discover a new world. The book was recognized as a Newbery Honor Book in 2016.
Contents
The Story of Ada
This story follows ten-year-old Ada Smith. She has never left her small apartment in London. Her mother, called 'Mam', is ashamed of Ada's clubfoot. Mam often says Ada is "simple" or "not right in the head." Ada is treated like a servant. She cooks and cares for her six-year-old brother, Jamie, and her Mam. Ada's life is very hard. Her mother treats her poorly and sometimes confines her to a small, dark space.
Escaping London
In September 1939, World War II starts. The British government begins to move children out of cities. They send them to the countryside to keep them safe from the war. Ada's mother refuses to let Ada go. She claims no one would want to care for her. But Ada has secretly spent the whole summer teaching herself to walk. She decides to leave with Jamie without their mother knowing.
A New Life in the Countryside
Ada and Jamie are sent to live with a woman named Susan Smith. Susan lives alone in a house in the village. She makes it clear that she does not want children. She thinks she is not good at caring for them. Ada's life in the countryside is very different from London. She can go outside and talk to other people. At first, Ada's low self-esteem makes her nervous about living with Susan.
In the countryside, Ada learns many new things. She teaches herself how to ride a horse. She also learns how to read and write. Ada discovers that her clubfoot has nothing to do with how smart she is. She starts to feel more confident and valued.
Returning to London
After several months, Susan tries to get permission for Ada to have surgery on her foot. But Ada's mother comes and takes the children away. She is angry that Ada is where people can see her. Mam brings them back to London. She has moved to a new apartment and throws Ada's crutches away. Ada's mother continues to treat Ada and Jamie poorly. She is not interested in caring for them. She only brought them back because it was cheaper for her.
As London is bombed during the war, Ada and Jamie leave the house to find shelter. They are surprised to see Susan has come back for them. Ada finally confronts her mother. She finds a way for her and Jamie to live permanently with Susan. The story ends with Ada and Jamie living with Susan. Susan's home was destroyed by a bomb while they were away. Ada and Jamie save Susan's life by getting her away from the bombs. They return the kindness Susan showed them.
Main Characters
- Ada Smith: A ten-year-old girl with a clubfoot. She has been treated badly by her mother. While living with Susan, Ada learns to walk, ride a horse, read, and write. She becomes more confident.
- Jamie Smith: Ada's six-year-old brother. He discovers his love for planes when he moves to the countryside.
- Susan Smith: Ada's assigned guardian. She learns to love and care for both Ada and Jamie.
- Mam: Ada and Jamie's mother. She is a stern and uncaring mother. She often blames Ada for her foot.
