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aimeesue's review against another edition
5.0
An incredibly moving YA novel centering on Ada, a young London girl whose mother has locked her away (and abused her, though the physical abuse takes place off to the side) because she was born with a club foot. Living in one of the poorest parts of the city and not being allowed outside, Ada doesn't know much beyond what she can see with her own eyes and what her younger brother, Jamie, relates to her after school.
When WWII begins and children are moved to the country to be safe from the bombs, Ada seizes the opportunity to escape, leaving hours early for the train while her mother is asleep. Once they arrive, Ada and Jamie are foisted upon Miss Susan Smith, who is not particularly glad to have them.
Most of the book concerns the opening of Ada's eyes to ways of being and relating to other people who don't see her as "feebleminded" or grotesque, and navigating the twin poles of trust and responsibility between herself and Miss Susan.
Really, just fabulously done. The emotional depth and the depiction of overcoming psychological barriers to health and happiness by minute degrees is perfectly pitched. Adults and older readers will need to read between the lines to get at some of the issues as they remain, as in everyday life, there but not spoken of, but overall, a fabulous read.
When WWII begins and children are moved to the country to be safe from the bombs, Ada seizes the opportunity to escape, leaving hours early for the train while her mother is asleep. Once they arrive, Ada and Jamie are foisted upon Miss Susan Smith, who is not particularly glad to have them.
Most of the book concerns the opening of Ada's eyes to ways of being and relating to other people who don't see her as "feebleminded" or grotesque, and navigating the twin poles of trust and responsibility between herself and Miss Susan.
Really, just fabulously done. The emotional depth and the depiction of overcoming psychological barriers to health and happiness by minute degrees is perfectly pitched. Adults and older readers will need to read between the lines to get at some of the issues as they remain, as in everyday life, there but not spoken of, but overall, a fabulous read.
leftyleo19's review against another edition
5.0
Just wonderful. Can't wait to crack open the sequel.
av1010's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hil_knecht's review against another edition
5.0
This book. Whew . It takes you through the ringer. I listened to it on audio with my daughters (9&13). It very much deserved the newberry award . It is a great into to WWII historical fiction for kids. It also handles some other tricky subjects so well. Ableism , abuse, PTSD. I can’t give this enough praise. Much like “wonder” i think this book is for everyone .
dmfsharp's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
vgread's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wild_mustang's review against another edition
4.25
Reminded me of Heidi by Johanna Spri :D
Such a sweet book, deals with some very difficult topics in a way that strikes adults and doesn’t overwhelm younger readers.
CAWPILE: 8.7⭐️
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 9
Plot - 9.5
Intrigue - 7.5
Logic - 8.5
Enjoyment - 8.5
Such a sweet book, deals with some very difficult topics in a way that strikes adults and doesn’t overwhelm younger readers.
CAWPILE: 8.7⭐️
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 9
Plot - 9.5
Intrigue - 7.5
Logic - 8.5
Enjoyment - 8.5
fernthepanda's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely wonderful!
I can't speak the praises for this book enough. This should be an easy sell to most readers. Boys will be tricky since the only Ada graces the cover, but pointing out the planes and mentioning this place during wartime should help.
This one grips you from the start and doesn't let go.
I can't speak the praises for this book enough. This should be an easy sell to most readers. Boys will be tricky since the only Ada graces the cover, but pointing out the planes and mentioning this place during wartime should help.
This one grips you from the start and doesn't let go.
janiebee's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me cry like a baby--in joy, sadness and pain. It was so excruciating for me in parts. But ultimately that made it all the more cathartic.
kirstenrose22's review against another edition
5.0
OMG, this book, I can't even. This is so amazingly good. The end had me in tears. I loved this. The themes of trust, alienation and belonging are so well-woven into the historical narrative. I thought Ada's growing self-awareness and awareness of the world around her was so well done. And I loved pretty much all the characters.