The War That Saved My Life

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. (2015). The war that saved my life. (Entwistle, Jayne, Narrator.) [Playaway Audiobook]. (2015) ISBN 9781467697439

PLOT SUMMARY

In this historical fiction novel, Kimberly Bradley writes the story of nine year old Ada and her little

brother Jamie being shipped out of London to escape war. Ada was born with a disability and she was

not going to let that stop her from escaping her abusive mother.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bradley writes this incredibly heartbreaking historical fiction novel about nine year old Ada and her

little brother Jamie. Ada, born with a disability, was held prisoner at her own home at the hands of her

abusive mother. Ada finally gets the courage to learn how to walk to escape with Jamie. They were

shipped out of their home from London to escape the war. Susan Smith, a kind hearted soul, takes

them in and cares for them.

The Playaway unabridged audiobook allows you to envision the story like a movie. The narrator,

Jayne Entwistle brilliantly sets the tone of the story with no background noise, The introduction to the

story starts with Entwistle’s sweet innocent voice for Ada and Jamie, then vindictive voice for the mom,

and calm, soothing voice for Susan Smith. I found this audiobook very interesting and enjoyable, with

that said, I highly recommend this audiobook.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“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.”

– The Wall Street Journal

“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.”

– Kirkus, starred review

“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. “

– Publishers Weekly, starred review

“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

CONNECTIONS

“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

I recommend this excellent historical novel for 12 year olds and older.

AWARDS

Barb's Reads for Children Lit