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. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. ISBN 0147510481

2.      Plot Summary

A young girl seizes an opportunity to escape an abusive relationship when London is evacuated during WWII.  Taking her younger brother, she flees to the countryside to live with a reclusive older lady.  Ada struggles with her disability, with the thought that she is unwanted and unlovable because, in the past, she has been treated as less than a human.  When Ada and her younger brother are forced upon an unwilling woman, it enforces Ada’s opinion that no one could ever care for her.  Ada has to learn that others can be trusted and that she can take care of herself.  In her new home she learns to ride a horse, to see her self-worth and she learns how to love and be loved by others.

3.   Critical Analysis

Ada is heartbreakingly relatable.  Her plight touches on the insecurities we all feel about being inadequate in our own eyes and feeling unworthy of love from others.  Her story will be hauntingly familiar to anyone who has grown up with less than they need.  Ada’s relationship with her brother will touch a nerve to those who have felt the need to protect a younger sibling but feel jealous of them at the same time.  Ada’s internal fight feels real and raw and could be a bit overwhelming for anyone who has struggled with a dysfunctional relationship.  The horrors of war are not shied away from.  Ada helps with the soldiers wounded in the battle of Dunkirk and the author does not shy away from the smells and sights of the wounded and dying.

The theme of truth and lies is explored by looking at different kinds of truths and lies and whether there are justifications for any type of lie.  Freedom is another theme explored during the story.  Ada escapes not just from the bombing of London, but also from the one-room apartment in which she is kept, her mother and the confines society and binds she has created in her own mind.  Themes of hope, resilience and perseverance are explored as Ada learns to rebound for her confines, both physical and mentally. The book explores self-discovery, self-worth and the strength of the family (those we are born into and those we create).

4.      Review Excerpts

2016 Newbery Honor Book

#1 New York Times Bestseller

From Booklist: “The home-front realities of WWII, as well as Ada’s realistic anger and fear, come to life in Bradley’s affecting and austerely told story, and readers will cheer for steadfast Ada as she triumphs over despair.”

From The Horn Book: Starred review. “Involving, poignant, nuanced . . . This is a feel-good story, but an earned one . . . distinct and powerful in its own right.”

From Kirkus Review: Starred review. “Ada’s voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity. Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally. Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada’s personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.”

From Publishers Weekly: Starred review. “Proving that her courage and compassion carry far more power than her disability, Ada earns self-respect, emerges a hero, and learns the meaning of home.”

From School Library 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.”

5.      Connections

Gather other Kimberly Brubaker Bradley books to read such as:
      Jefferson’s Sons.  ISBN 0142421847
      For Freedom. ISBN 0440418313

Gather classic books mentioned in the story to read such as:

      Barrie, J.M. Peter Pan. ISBN 1781393613
      Burnett, Frances H. The Secret Garden. ISBN 1518780350
      Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. ISBN 1781393354
      Grahame, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. ISBN 0735842957
      Wyss, Johann David. The Swiss Family Robinson. ISBN 1973986590

Gather other WWII children’s books to read such as:

      Borden, Louise. The Little Ships. ISBN 0689853963
      Larson, Kirby. Dash. ISBN 0545416361
      Ryan, Pam Munoz, Echo. ISBN 0439874025

Use in a history lesson about World War II

Use in a social studies lesson to discuss abuse and dysfunctional relationships