Wednesday, October 17, 2018

The War That Saved My Like

The War That Saved My Like

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley 
Grade Level: 3-8
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: Newbery Honor

Summary: Ada Smith is a young girl growing up during the time of World War II.  Being born with a clubfoot, it is near impossible for Ada to walk without assistance.  Being seen as a nuisance, Ada's mother confines her to their small apartment window to view the outside world she will never be apart of.  Because of the war, Ada leaves London with her brother Jamie.  While most children are being sent away to save their life, Ada leaves in order to be free of her mother's abuse.  It is during this time Ada and Jamie are taken in by Miss Susan Smith.  While staying with Miss Smith, Ada and Jamie's lives change.  Ada makes friends, rides a horse named Butter, learns to read, and catches a German spy.  When Ada and Jamie's mother shows up to take them back to London, they are both terrified and heartbroken.  One night, Ada stands up and breaks free of her mother's grasp and decides to leave with Jamie.  Before they were able to leave, bombs were dropped in London.  Surviving, they are reconnected with Susan, expectant for a better tomorrow.

Evaluation: The moment I began reading this, I was hooked.  This book puts the perspective of the war in the eyes of a young girl who has faced a very difficult life.  I plan on using this book in my future classroom.  I believe students will be able to connect with Ada in unexpecting ways.

The age appropriateness is between grades three and eight.  While the subject matter of World War II is intense, this book teaches it in a relatable way for young readers.  It helps paint what life was like for someone their age.

One way I can use this book is during the Holocaust/World War II  reading unit.  This can be a book students can choose from for the Holocaust/World War II book club.  Students can focus on "voice" and "perspective."

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