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4.48 AVERAGE
4.48 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A fitting sequel to the excellent THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE. Ada and her little family are in a better place than they started in the first book, but the fall out from her childhood hasn’t magically disappeared.
I love that Bradley expands Ada’s found family and has her work through some of her issues in this sequel. Recommended for fans of the first book for sure.
I love that Bradley expands Ada’s found family and has her work through some of her issues in this sequel. Recommended for fans of the first book for sure.
I so loved this book, the sequel to The War That Saved My Life. I had been afraid to read it for fear that the sequel wouldn't live up to its predecessor and somehow ruin it; I need not have worried. The sequel was every bit as good as the first. The characters are so rich, and their development is breathtaking. The messages of courage and open-mindedness are beautiful, and the triumphs are sweet. I recommend these two books to nearly anyone, and I can't wait to read them with my boys.
Another heartwarming book about Ava! I loved The War That Saved My Life, and this one was no different. Ava grew up a lot in this book, dealing with the hardships of war. From rationing and close quarters to death. While this is written as a middle grade book, I think people of all ages can enjoy it!
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's greatest strength as a writer is crafting superbly realistic characters who act consistent to their personalities. She shows both their good and bad sides. Even the minor characters are dynamic. Ruth, the German-Jewish girl who comes to live at the cottage, adds so much to the story. And Lady Thornton has some great character growth. I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters.
Surprisingly I enjoyed this sequel just as much as The War That Saved My Life. Susan, Ada, and Jamie are forced to move into the Thornton's hunting cottage along with Lady Thornton, Ruth, and Maggie (when she's home from boarding school). It's fascinating to see how they cope with the hardships of wartime. Ada, being older than Jamie and having taken the worst of their mother's abuse, continues to struggle to adjust more than Jamie, but Susan is so patient with her and gives her space. You can't help liking prickly Ada, as she slowly heals and learns how to love and be loved.
The story is heavy, more so than the first book, but there is light humor dispersed throughout. Once again the past relationship between Susan and Becky is only hinted at, although it was brought up more often than necessary.
Our family listened to the audiobook on vacation narrated by the immensely talented Jayne Entwistle. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Surprisingly I enjoyed this sequel just as much as The War That Saved My Life. Susan, Ada, and Jamie are forced to move into the Thornton's hunting cottage along with Lady Thornton, Ruth, and Maggie (when she's home from boarding school). It's fascinating to see how they cope with the hardships of wartime. Ada, being older than Jamie and having taken the worst of their mother's abuse, continues to struggle to adjust more than Jamie, but Susan is so patient with her and gives her space. You can't help liking prickly Ada, as she slowly heals and learns how to love and be loved.
The story is heavy, more so than the first book, but there is light humor dispersed throughout. Once again the past relationship between Susan and Becky is only hinted at, although it was brought up more often than necessary.
Our family listened to the audiobook on vacation narrated by the immensely talented Jayne Entwistle. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
The War That Saved My Life is sooo good. Did it need a sequel? No. Did I thoroughly enjoy the unnecessary sequel? Yes.
This series is probably the most realistic middlegrade war series I’ve read. Ada is an average child who is just trying to survive in a war zone. She’s not a hero. She doesn’t get overly involved in historical events. She’s realistic. Like many real-life children, her development is two steps forward, one step back. I liked seeing her continue to learn about the world and become more comfortable in it. Actually, all of the characters become better rounded in this novel. The side characters get a lot more page time in the sequel.
Just like the first book, this one is extremely slow and character driven. I occasionally wished the pace would pick up. I got bored while waiting for something to happen. I was also hoping we’d learn more about Ada’s mom and why she’s so evil. The only explanation we got is “She’s broken.” That’s not enough for me!
I think I would have loved this series as a kid. I’d recommend it to anybody who likes historical fiction.
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This series is probably the most realistic middlegrade war series I’ve read. Ada is an average child who is just trying to survive in a war zone. She’s not a hero. She doesn’t get overly involved in historical events. She’s realistic. Like many real-life children, her development is two steps forward, one step back. I liked seeing her continue to learn about the world and become more comfortable in it. Actually, all of the characters become better rounded in this novel. The side characters get a lot more page time in the sequel.
Just like the first book, this one is extremely slow and character driven. I occasionally wished the pace would pick up. I got bored while waiting for something to happen. I was also hoping we’d learn more about Ada’s mom and why she’s so evil. The only explanation we got is “She’s broken.” That’s not enough for me!
I think I would have loved this series as a kid. I’d recommend it to anybody who likes historical fiction.
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After reading "The War That Saved My Life," I jumped straight into this one. Our sweet girl gets her foot fixed. She is such a wonderful character. The war is still happening, their home is gone, so a new home, new friends, new issues to deal with. Ada is officially my hero! These books are my favorite!
My kids and I enjoyed the continuation of Ada and Jamie's stories. We once again rooted for and cheered them on, laughed with them, and cried with them. Overall, this two part series is a great way to introduce kids to the realities of WWII in a way that is easy to understand.
Wonderful continuation from the previous book. The story immediately picks up from the ending of The War That Saved My Life. Ada finally gets her foot fixed and endures more hardships from the war while also showing how brave she has become.
Great sequel. I think I liked the first one better, but this was still a strong follow up to the first one. I like how Ada continues to grow and change and how she continually has to deal with difficult things.