Winner, Newbery Honor Book, United States, 2016
Winner, Schneider Family Book Award, United States, 2016
Shortlisted, West Australian Young Readers' Book Award, 2017
Forbes 25 Top Historical Fiction Books Of All Time selection
'An inimitable, robust, yet lyrically written bildungsroman. Its gentle humour is poignant and heart-warming.' Australian
An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds, set during World War II.
Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room flat. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada's twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn't waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Miss Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take in the two children. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley has written several historical novels for children and young adults, including the bestselling Newbery Honor Book The War that Saved My Life. She lives on a farm in Tennessee with her husband and two young children.
Praise for The War that Saved My Life:
'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.' STARRED reviewKirkus
'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.' Booklist
'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.' School Library Journal
'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.' STARRED reviewPublishers Weekly
'Involving, poignant, nuanced . . . This is a feel-good story, but an earned one . . . distinct and powerful in its own right.' The Horn Book, starred review
'Achingly lovely...Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada's stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories.' Wall Street Journal
'Poignant . . . Intricately weaves [together] themes of resilience, self-discovery and the power of love . . . Bradley's portrayal of the impact of war on the lives of children adds a touching layer to this emotionally charged story.' Forbes
'A moving story with an authentic voice. Beautifully told.' Patricia MacLachlan, author of Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall
'I love Ada's bold heart, keen wit, and amazingly fresh point of view. Her story's riveting. I was with her every step of the way.' Sheila Turnage, author of Newbery Honor book Three Times...
