We're betting you won't be able to put this one down.

Summary:

Ada lives in a locked closet because her mother hates her club foot. When her younger brother Jamie is shipped out of London to get away from the nightly bombings by the Germans, Ada decides to escape and sneaks out to join him. They make to the countryside where they meet Susan Smith, a middle-aged woman who lost too much in her life. At first untrusting of each other, Ada, Susan, and Jamie build a relationship, slowly becoming family. But is it enough? The two are minors and will they be forced to return to their mother?


BTSYA / Teen Reader (12):
I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. The War that Saved My Life, is a heart-touching story about the children in World War II. Surprisingly, I became engrossed in the history of World War II, and found myself learning about a part of the war many of us don’t know about: the children.

This historical fiction book was wonderfully written. Readers can feel the trials and tribulations Ada faced. I liked the lesson the story offered younger readers: your physical appearance doesn't determine your fate. I would recommend this book for tweens, as some topics like violence may not be suitable for younger readers. This book is a gift option for tweens.


Reader Enjoyment Factors:

Readers who like historical adventure will find this not only engaging but surprisingly educational. 

Content Awareness Factors:

There is violence. 


Type of Book:
This is a historical fiction novel set in the British countryside. It is part adventure, part WW II history, and part story of courage.
Educational Themes:

Although the story and characters are fictional, there are very real elements to the story: how people lived and survived in a war zone, as well as individual journeys through grief and trauma. As our reader noted, there is war history to be explored, but there is also a lot of character development to talk about, as well. 

Reading Level:
4.1
Recommended Age To Read By Yourself:
10 and Up
Recommended Age To Read Together:
Age of child:
Teen STAR Review Team, Be the Star You Are!™ . Reviewer’s Age: 12

Title The War That Saved My Life
About

The War That Saved My Life, Book 1 of 2

Author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Publisher Dial Books, Imprint Penguin Young Readers Group © 2015
ISBN 9780803740815
Material Hard Cover
Cost $17.99
Genres Adventure, Family, Historical Fiction, 1940s & 1950s
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