The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly
Brubaker Bradley


  1. Bibliography
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life. Puffin Books, 2016.
ISBN 0147510481.
  1. Plot Summary
Ada was born with a club foot that hindered her ability to walk. This imperfection
angered her mother and is the sole reason Ada was treated so poorly. Afterall, her
younger brother Jamie could walk perfectly well and was treated just fine. As news of a
possible war spreads, Ada and Jamie escape from London and the bombs, and catch a train
to the countryside. It is here that Ada meets Ms. Susan Smith and learns that her ability
to walk should not affect the way others treat her. It is in the countryside that Ada and
Jamie truly learn what love is and what it means to have a mother.  
  1. Critical Analysis
I was not prepared for the waves of emotions I received from reading this book. Ada’s life
before meeting Susan was sad, depressing, and demoralizing. However, Ada leaves all that
behind when she escapes to the country with her younger brother, Jamie. Susan Smith
provides Ada and Jamie a safe and comfortable home, new clothes that fit correctly, and
enough food to fill them up each night. Susan saves these children, and these children,
likewise, save Susan. 

 There are several friends that Ada meets while living in the countryside with Susan.
One unconventional friend is the pony, Butter. Ada is immediately drawn to the pony. 
Despite her foot, Ada is able to teach herself how to ride Butter. This turns out to
be a sort of safe haven for Ada. 

 One thing about the book I am still curious about is the relationship between Susan
and her friend Becky. I can’t help but wonder if perhaps they had more than just a
friend relationship. Could Susan and Becky be closer than just friends? 
  1. Review Excerpts
  • 2016 Newbery Medal Winner
  • "Achingly lovely . . . Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime
home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada's stumbles and rejoicing to the
point of tears in her victories."—The Wall Street Journal
  • "There is much to like here—Ada's engaging voice, the vivid setting, the humor, the
heartbreak, but most of all the tenacious will to survive."—School Library Journal
  1. Connections

  • There is a sequel to this novel, The War I Finally Won, that could be read after
reading this one.

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