The War that Saved My Life

· Sold by Penguin
4.8
145 reviews
Ebook
320
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

* Newbery Honor Book
* #1 New York Times Bestseller
* Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award 
* Forbes 25 Top Historical Fiction Books Of All Time selection
* Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of the Year selection
* New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing selection


An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War II, from the acclaimed author of Fighting Words, and for fans of Fish in a Tree and Number the Stars.

 
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
 
So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
 
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.

"Achingly lovely...Nuanced and emotionally acute."The Wall Street Journal
"Unforgettable...unflinching."—Common Sense Media
"Touching...Emotionally charged." Forbes
★ “Brisk and honest...Cause for celebration.”
Kirkus, starred review
★ "Poignant."Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "Powerful."The Horn Book, starred review
"Affecting."Booklist
"Emotionally satisfying...[A] page-turner."BCCB
“Exquisitely written...Heart-lifting.”SLJ
"Astounding...This book is remarkable."—Karen Cushman, author The Midwife's Apprentice
"Beautifully told."—Patricia MacLachlan, author of Sarah, Plain and Tall
"I read this novel in two big gulps."—Gary D. Schmidt, author of Okay for Now
"I love Ada's bold heart...Her story's riveting."—Sheila Turnage, author of Three Times Lucky

Ratings and reviews

4.8
145 reviews
Aminori.
February 3, 2020
I read this when I was 12. I tried to find a copy of the sequel but never did. So I bought the ebooks. There are many many other books I wish to buy, but I ran outta moneh. Very good book. I can just imagine the scenes. The relationship between Ada, Susan and Jamie was also very touching. I can kind of relate to Ada. No I am not crippled. Its the fact that I cant seem to trust others fully that is kind of relatable. 10/10. Totally reccomend it.
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Basaira D
May 27, 2015
I have cried laughed and became mad and I am only 10 I tried to read for only 30 mins a day but it was so good and suspenseful that I ended up reading for almost 2 hours. I wish the book was longer because I love this book and every thing about it! This is my all time favorite book and I could just picture Jamie,ada, and Susan in my head because everything was worded perfectly!!!!! I really recommend this book to younger AND older readers!!!
16 people found this review helpful
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Jenavieve Crespo
February 18, 2019
Sadness, happyness, anger, all those emotions are mixed into this belovied tale of a young girl and her brother, who are trying to escape london without their mother finding out. Once they are out of london they are taken into the care a an old woman, susan. This book will make u cry, laugh, and even make you angry. This book is such a sweet tale and will forever have an amazing impact on my life. Thank u
10 people found this review helpful
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About the author

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley lives on a forty-two-acre farm in Bristol, Tennessee. She is the author of several books for children, including Leap of Faith, and Jefferson's Sons.

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