Scan barcode
birdinflight1's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book on so many levels.
Learning about how England was affected by WWII added to my knowledge of that time period that I've learned from Call the Midwife and Outlander. I love when books build and expand upon my prior knowledge.
I enjoy WWII historical fiction in general, and this one wasn't too heavy on the horror of concentration camps, which is important, but can get a bit traumatizing to read about over and over.
Most importantly, the author does an amazing job dealing with trauma and how it affects kids in surprising and unexpected ways. As a teacher and a learner, I've been learning a lot about trauma lately, and this book is amazing. I was most impressed by Susan, the caretaker, who instinctively knew how to successfully parent a child with a trauma history. Susan's character was extremely emotionally intelligent and handled Ada's outbursts in such a gentle, loving way, which is not easy to do in the midst of a child's PTSD reaction to a trigger. And she did so many other things that helped Ada grow and heal, including horse back riding.
Learning about how England was affected by WWII added to my knowledge of that time period that I've learned from Call the Midwife and Outlander. I love when books build and expand upon my prior knowledge.
I enjoy WWII historical fiction in general, and this one wasn't too heavy on the horror of concentration camps, which is important, but can get a bit traumatizing to read about over and over.
Most importantly, the author does an amazing job dealing with trauma and how it affects kids in surprising and unexpected ways. As a teacher and a learner, I've been learning a lot about trauma lately, and this book is amazing. I was most impressed by Susan, the caretaker, who instinctively knew how to successfully parent a child with a trauma history. Susan's character was extremely emotionally intelligent and handled Ada's outbursts in such a gentle, loving way, which is not easy to do in the midst of a child's PTSD reaction to a trigger. And she did so many other things that helped Ada grow and heal, including horse back riding.
reydeam's review against another edition
5.0
Receiving the 2016 Newbery Honor is nothing to shrug your shoulders at, that is for sure. But I do wonder why this book did not receive the Newbery Medal. The War that Saved my Life is such a good solid book; it kept my 9-year old daughter engaged the entire time while I read it aloud to her. Moreover, I was also engaged.
While a few of the issues within this book are hard to confront, the author did a great job exposing a young reader while not overwhelming. Doors were opened to conversations that are difficult to have but are made easier when put into story format.
By using a character that truly is ignorant to life due to her abusive mother, the story was able to be told via showing rather than telling. This character, Ada, enabled the reader to learn new things alongside her in a believable and seemless way. Through Ada, the reader is learning about tough and heavy themes, such as abuse, disability, and the changes that take place during a time of war. Historical facts are detailed yet accessible and entwined with the lives of Ada, Jamie and Susan; the book never feels like a history lesson. The vocabulary is enriched, understanding of history is deepened, compassion is felt, and love is seen.
There was a lot packed into this book for discussion, and a lot of discussion took place at our bookclub meeting for kids. The discussion ranged from Ada's club foot, an abusive mother, child evacuees during the war, human compassion, self-esteem, women's role during World War II England, horse care, and much more. There were four girls, age 9-11, who attended the meeting; two girls gave the book 4/5 stars, and the other two gave 5/5 stars. This was definitely a thumbs up book.
Bottom line: This was a well crafted story that was immensely enjoyable to read aloud to my nine-year old daughter. It was an engagable story that dealt with tough themes of abandonment, abuse, neglect, disability, loneliness, and war. The story opened doors for good discussion with my 9 year old daughter; she liked the story a whole lot and looked forward to each reading. My rating: 5/5 stars.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My book thoughts were also posted on my blog, Polishing Mud Balls.
https://polishingmudballs.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/book-thoughts-the-war-that-saved-my-life-by-kimberly-brubaker-bradley/
While a few of the issues within this book are hard to confront, the author did a great job exposing a young reader while not overwhelming. Doors were opened to conversations that are difficult to have but are made easier when put into story format.
By using a character that truly is ignorant to life due to her abusive mother, the story was able to be told via showing rather than telling. This character, Ada, enabled the reader to learn new things alongside her in a believable and seemless way. Through Ada, the reader is learning about tough and heavy themes, such as abuse, disability, and the changes that take place during a time of war. Historical facts are detailed yet accessible and entwined with the lives of Ada, Jamie and Susan; the book never feels like a history lesson. The vocabulary is enriched, understanding of history is deepened, compassion is felt, and love is seen.
There was a lot packed into this book for discussion, and a lot of discussion took place at our bookclub meeting for kids. The discussion ranged from Ada's club foot, an abusive mother, child evacuees during the war, human compassion, self-esteem, women's role during World War II England, horse care, and much more. There were four girls, age 9-11, who attended the meeting; two girls gave the book 4/5 stars, and the other two gave 5/5 stars. This was definitely a thumbs up book.
Bottom line: This was a well crafted story that was immensely enjoyable to read aloud to my nine-year old daughter. It was an engagable story that dealt with tough themes of abandonment, abuse, neglect, disability, loneliness, and war. The story opened doors for good discussion with my 9 year old daughter; she liked the story a whole lot and looked forward to each reading. My rating: 5/5 stars.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My book thoughts were also posted on my blog, Polishing Mud Balls.
https://polishingmudballs.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/book-thoughts-the-war-that-saved-my-life-by-kimberly-brubaker-bradley/
happylilkt's review against another edition
For some reason didn't like the voice of the writer. Maybe I'll try again another time.
meghan74's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readwithharry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
Really enjoyed it at age 10 - well written middle-grade historical fiction, with a focus on disability, trauma, surviving abuse, and found-family.
angielina's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This book was indeed interesting. And it was surely something. I feel like I could have enjoyed it more but I read this book every day after I finished finals and testing, so it was hard because these guys were being really annoying :/
This book was indeed interesting. And it was surely something. I feel like I could have enjoyed it more but I read this book every day after I finished finals and testing, so it was hard because these guys were being really annoying :/
jaynecm's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story of a beautiful girl finding her place and a family to love and be loved by. Told in first person, Ada's voice is heart breaking and movingly portrayed as we see her slowly move towards acceptance of herself. The abuse she has suffered from the person who should love her most is horrendous and so difficult to read. Yet Ada shines through. The author has created a true heroine in Ada.
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
For some reason I really resisted reading this book. I'm not sure why, especially after finishing and loving it. I loved Ada, Jamie, Susan, and their friends and neighbors. There is a special place in my heart for the relationship between Ada and Susan, in particular. I enjoyed every moment I spent with them.
Re-read April 2023 for Rabid Readers: This is such a great story and I enjoyed it just as much this time around.
Re-read April 2023 for Rabid Readers: This is such a great story and I enjoyed it just as much this time around.
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ada is ten years old but has never left her tiny apartment because her mother is ashamed of her twisted foot. She spends her life indoors while her little brother roams the town freely. When the opportunity comes for Ada and her brother to sneak away and escape the bombing with the other children, they take it.
Now Ada and her brother are placed with a single woman, Susan, who didn't want to take in any evacuees but was forced to take them. Susan opens her home, and slowly opens her heart, to Ada and her brother. Under Susan's care, Ada learns to read, ride a pony, and write. Their new life begins to develop but Ada lives under the fear of being taken back to her mother. Will the new trio last or will Ada's mom return for them?
This book has been on my list for a long time so it was nice to accomplish that goal! And I wasn't disappointed. My two sons assured me that this was a great story and they were correct. I was hooked as soon as we met Ada in the first few chapters. Right away, I was rooting for such a mistreated character.
The character development in this book was well done. Not only did the kids change, but the adult taking care of them had her own journey of discovery. I appreciated how they were all helping each other grow and open up to something new.
I loved the ending - a nice surprise and I love a happy twist. I won't say much more about it.
This is a unique WW2 historical fiction book. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Now Ada and her brother are placed with a single woman, Susan, who didn't want to take in any evacuees but was forced to take them. Susan opens her home, and slowly opens her heart, to Ada and her brother. Under Susan's care, Ada learns to read, ride a pony, and write. Their new life begins to develop but Ada lives under the fear of being taken back to her mother. Will the new trio last or will Ada's mom return for them?
This book has been on my list for a long time so it was nice to accomplish that goal! And I wasn't disappointed. My two sons assured me that this was a great story and they were correct. I was hooked as soon as we met Ada in the first few chapters. Right away, I was rooting for such a mistreated character.
The character development in this book was well done. Not only did the kids change, but the adult taking care of them had her own journey of discovery. I appreciated how they were all helping each other grow and open up to something new.
I loved the ending - a nice surprise and I love a happy twist. I won't say much more about it.
This is a unique WW2 historical fiction book. I loved it and highly recommend it.