The War That Saved My Life

The War That Saved My Life is a work of historical fiction by bestselling author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. The novel is intended for middle-grade readers and was published in 2015. It has won several awards, including the Newbery Honor for being among the most distinguished American children’s book of its year. The Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly listed the book as among the best children’s books in 2015, and it won 14 state book awards. Bradley is also the author of Fighting Words (2020) and The War I Finally Won (2017).

Plot Summary

Ada is 10 years old as World War II approaches London. She has spent her life confined to a one-room apartment because her mother, Mam, is ashamed of her twisted clubfoot. Mam is physically and emotionally abusive toward Ada and her brother Jamie, so they escape to a rural village in Kent, where Susan Smith, a single woman living alone, takes them in. Susan provides clothing, food, shelter, and medical care for both children. As England and Germany officially declare war, tension between Ada and Jamie heightens. Jamie wants to return to London, whereas Ada would rather remain with Susan.