The War That Saved My Life

Ada has a hard time accepting herself and others because of her mother’s verbal and physical abuse. Consider Ada’s character growth and the challenges she faces throughout the novel.

• How does her personality change?
• How does Ada’s appearance change the way she interacts with people?
• What viewpoints are altered because of her new experiences?
• Who contributes to Ada’s character growth?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it helpful to first reflect on Mam’s abusive behaviors at the start of the story and how those contribute to Ada’s self-perception before describing Ada’s changing attitude toward herself and others in the novel.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require additional assistance with analysis or those who benefit from strategies promoting visual and spatial organization may find it helpful to create a T-chart describing Ada’s thoughts about herself and others at the beginning of the novel and comparing those thoughts to how Ada feels at the novel’s conclusion.