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alittle1116's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazing story for my 10yo and me to listen to. Historical fiction has become one of my top fave genres and she is beginning to love it as well. It doesn’t hurt that she is a horse lover as well. Highly recommend for adults or kids but especially an adult to read along with their kids!
protoman21's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up. Some tough topics handled beautifully. One of the best demonstrations of where emotions and emotional reactions come from that I have seen.
votesforwomen's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so good. SO GOOD. That's about all I can say about it.
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Book on CD narrated by Jayne Entwistle
Ten-year-old Ada lives in a one-room apartment with her mother and younger brother. Ada, however, has never left the apartment. She has a club foot and her mother doesn’t want anyone to see Ada. So, she sits at her window and watches the neighbors. She has no friends. She’s never attended school. Still, she feels responsible for her brother Jamie, so when he reports that the children of London are to be sent to the country due to the war with Germany, Ada makes up her mind to go with him.
This is a marvelous story of courage and tenacity. Bradly doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties Ada faces, from her abusive mother, to her ignorance of things we take for granted, (she doesn’t know what soup is!), to the anger and fear that sometimes overwhelm her. But Ada is a very strong girl. And with perseverance, she will overcome the poor start she’s had in life.
The story is also about grief and tolerance. Susan Smith is the grieving woman who is coerced into taking Jamie and Ada in. She doesn’t want children; she doesn’t like children; she doesn’t know what to do with or for children. But over time she comes to understand their struggles and to care for them not just because they’ve been place in her charge, but because she genuinely loves them.
There is a sequel to this story and I can hardly wait to read it to find out what happens to Ada, Jamie and Susan.
The audiobook is masterfully performed by Jayne Entwistle. I have to admit that I initially kept thinking of Flavia deLuce because Entwistle narrated those books, but I quickly adjusted.
Ten-year-old Ada lives in a one-room apartment with her mother and younger brother. Ada, however, has never left the apartment. She has a club foot and her mother doesn’t want anyone to see Ada. So, she sits at her window and watches the neighbors. She has no friends. She’s never attended school. Still, she feels responsible for her brother Jamie, so when he reports that the children of London are to be sent to the country due to the war with Germany, Ada makes up her mind to go with him.
This is a marvelous story of courage and tenacity. Bradly doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties Ada faces, from her abusive mother, to her ignorance of things we take for granted, (she doesn’t know what soup is!), to the anger and fear that sometimes overwhelm her. But Ada is a very strong girl. And with perseverance, she will overcome the poor start she’s had in life.
The story is also about grief and tolerance. Susan Smith is the grieving woman who is coerced into taking Jamie and Ada in. She doesn’t want children; she doesn’t like children; she doesn’t know what to do with or for children. But over time she comes to understand their struggles and to care for them not just because they’ve been place in her charge, but because she genuinely loves them.
There is a sequel to this story and I can hardly wait to read it to find out what happens to Ada, Jamie and Susan.
The audiobook is masterfully performed by Jayne Entwistle. I have to admit that I initially kept thinking of Flavia deLuce because Entwistle narrated those books, but I quickly adjusted.
maryquitecontrary_22's review against another edition
4.0
2016 Newbery Honor book with a unique plotline unlike most WWII historical fiction published for this age group. Not many middle grade books do I recommend to adults, but this one is just as enjoyable for them as for children and teens.
livingforjesus08's review against another edition
5.0
Woah, this book is incredible. It's been a while since I've read a book that broke my heart for the MC like this one did. The sheer amount of abuse and neglect that Ada's mom gave her was awful. I'm not a sensitive person but this book made me cry reading about the effects that abuse had on her. It was awful how she shrunk from Susan so much. She was always ducking. And than her fear of the bomb shelter, her mom was so cruel to lock her in the cupboard like she did. I'm glad she finally started to trust Susan but it's still so sad that she doesn't think she can get anything nice. Her fear of wearing the green dress was sad. I think the biggest "shock" I had in this book was the fact that she didn't know what grass was. And the fact that her mom lied to people about her being "simple".
gmamartha's review against another edition
4.0
Get to know these characters inside and out. The homefront in London and Kent gives purpose and direction to this girl who got to know who she was.
damaris_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
heidi_mcj's review against another edition
5.0
Fabulous book! The characters were superb, the writing wonderful. This book really touched me.