“It had been awful, but I hadn’t quit. I had persisted. In battle I had won.”
― Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, The War That Saved My Life
Looking for a book that feels real and makes you feel something deep? The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley might be just what you need.
It tells the story of a young girl named Ada. She’s stuck in a tough life, but everything starts to change when World War II begins. She finally gets a chance to leave her cruel home and see a different world.
The book isn’t just about the war. It’s about healing, finding courage, and learning to trust people again. Readers of all ages connect with it because of how real it feels. The characters stay with you. The story makes you think and feel.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know why this book matters—and if it’s the one you should read next.
Plot Summary
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, after a pause. “I don’t want to tell you a lie, and I don’t know the truth.”
It was maybe the most honest thing anyone had ever said to me.”
― Kimberly Brubaker-Bradley, The War That Saved My Life
The War That Saved My Life is set during World War II and begins in London before moving to the quiet countryside.
The story follows Ada Smith, a 10-year-old girl born with a clubfoot, who has spent her whole life locked inside by a mother who is ashamed of her disability. Ada feels unloved, hidden away from the world, and desperate for a different life.
When children are evacuated from the city to escape the danger of bombings, Ada sees her chance to escape and sneaks away with her younger brother, Jamie. They are sent to live with Susan Smith, a woman in the countryside who has no experience with children and isn’t sure she wants them at all.
Life in the country is nothing like Ada has known before. She begins to learn how to read, how to ride a pony, and how to explore the world outside. For the first time, she experiences kindness and starts to believe that she deserves more than the life she had.
Jamie quickly adjusts to their new home, and his joy helps Ada slowly open up. Susan, though unsure at first, begins to change as well. She grows more patient and caring, forming a real bond with the children. Over time, they all begin to feel like a true family.
The story reaches its most emotional point when Ada’s mother returns and demands to take her children back.
Faced with the fear of losing the new life they’ve built, Ada and Susan fight to stay together. The book is a powerful story about healing, learning to trust, and finding love and belonging in places you never thought possible.
What Genre Does The War That Saved My Life Focus On?
The War That Saved My Life is a historical fiction book written for kids around ages 9 to 12. While the story itself is made up, it takes place during a real time in history—World War II—and shows what life might have been like for children during that period.
Historical fiction blends true events from the past with imagined characters and personal stories. This mix helps readers connect with history in a more emotional and meaningful way.
Instead of just reading facts, you get to understand what people might have felt, feared, or hoped for during those times.
In this story, readers see the effects of war through the eyes of a young girl who faces both personal struggles and big changes in the world around her.
The book touches on hard topics like feeling different, being treated unfairly, and learning to be brave. But it also brings out themes of hope, growth, and the kindness that can come from unexpected places.
That balance of real history and strong emotion is what makes this kind of book so powerful. It doesn’t just teach you about the past—it helps you feel it through the lives of its characters.
Ratings and Reviews
“I wanted to say a lot of things, but, as usual, I didn’t have the words for the thoughts inside my head.”
― Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, The War That Saved My Life
GoodReads Review
GoodReads gave The War That Saved My Life4.49/5 stars with the ratings of 109,188 Many readers say this book is emotional. It connects with both kids and adults. People also like how real Ada’s growth feels. Her healing is shown in a way that’s easy to understand and believe.
“This was a lovely story that is perfect for those in middle school as they can learn about parental abuse and the notion that being handicapped made one the product of the devil.” – Marialyce
“Oh my heart, was this book good. The kind of book that everyone should read. My heart was broken and mended and grew about 3 sizes.” – Katie Ziegler
“This is a brilliantly done middle grade novel. It’s a page turner! It is an extremely well deserved Newbery Honor book. I’d have been happy had it won the Newbery Award.” – Lisa Vegan
Amazon Review
Amazon gave The War That Saved My Life 4.7/5 stars with a rating of 9,405. Many people say this book works well for different kinds of reading. Kids can enjoy it on their own. But it’s also great to read together as a family.
“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
“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
“An astounding novel. Will you cry and rejoice and hold your breath? Absolutely. Will you find the book as exciting, wise, and profound as I did? Yes. This book is remarkable.” –Karen Cushman, author of The Midwife’s Apprentice
How The War that Saved My Life Stands Out
What makes The War That Saved My Life stand out is how it blends real history with strong, honest emotions. It doesn’t make hard topics seem easy, and it respects young readers by telling the truth while still offering hope.
Ada’s disability is shown clearly and truthfully, but it’s not the only thing that matters about her. She is brave, smart, and learning to trust, which makes her a full and real character.
The story doesn’t rush through hard problems. Things like trauma, fear, and unfair treatment take time to work through, and the book shows that process in a real and thoughtful way.
Susan, who takes care of Ada and Jamie, isn’t perfect. She’s kind and helpful, but she has her own struggles too. That makes her feel human and believable.
The historical parts are clear and easy to understand. They help set the scene and explain the time period, but they never take away from the heart of the story—the people and their growth.
Who Should Read The War That Saved My Life?
The War That Saved My Life is a great choice for readers ages 9 to 12, though many teens and adults connect with it as well.
The book deals with serious topics like child abuse, fear during war, and feeling left out, all handled with care and honesty.
Some scenes about Ada’s foot and treatment are included, and while they are gentle, they may be a bit much for very young or sensitive readers.
This story is a good fit for those who enjoy books about facing challenges, finding strength, and growing through tough times. Fans of Number the Stars or Wonder may really enjoy this one.
It’s also great for readers who like historical fiction, especially set during World War II. While the story doesn’t shy away from hard truths, it offers hope, kindness, and a focus on how people can change and heal.
Book Recommendations if You Liked The War that Saved My Life
If you enjoyed this book, here are some similar titles you might want to try next:
The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – The sequel to “The War That Saved My Life” that continues Ada’s story as the war intensifies.
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk – Set in rural Pennsylvania during WWII, this novel follows a young girl standing up against prejudice and cruelty.
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan – A magical harmonica connects the stories of three children facing challenges during WWII in different parts of the world.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang – Though set in more recent times, this story shares themes of resilience as a young immigrant girl helps manage her family’s motel while facing discrimination.
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani – Set during the partition of India in 1947, this novel follows a half-Muslim, half-Hindu girl fleeing to safety with her family.
Conclusion
The War That Saved My Life is more than just a story set during a war—it’s about finding strength when everything feels broken. Ada’s journey shows that even after pain and neglect, a person can still grow. She learns how to trust others, how to hope for more, and how to see that she matters.
The book deals with real struggles like fear, abuse, and feeling different from everyone else. But it also shows what care, friendship, and kindness can do. It doesn’t pretend life is easy, but it gives you something real to hold on to—hope.
Ada’s story is powerful because it stays with you. It makes you think about courage and how love can truly change a life.
If you’re looking for a book that teaches something, makes you feel deeply, and shows both the hard and the good in life, this one is truly worth your time.
About the Author
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is an award-winning American writer. She writes books for children and young adults.
She grew up on a farm in Kentucky and later studied chemistry at Smith College. Her love for horses and country life often shows up in her stories.
She also has a strong interest in history, which plays a big part in her writing. Her books often feature brave female characters. They face tough situations and grow stronger through them.
Her stories are well-researched and help young readers learn about the past in a clear, personal way.
Some of her other books include
- The War I Finally Won
- Jefferson’s Sons
- For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy
- The President’s Daughter
- Ruthie’s Gift
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The War That Saved My Life Based on a True Story?
No, the story is fiction. But it’s based on real events from World War II. Many children were evacuated from cities like London. Their experiences were often like Ada and Jamie’s, making the story feel very real.
What Awards Has This Book Won?
The book won the 2016 Newbery Honor and the Schneider Family Book Award. Teachers and librarians have also recognized it. These awards show its strong writing, emotional depth, and importance in children’s literature.
How Historically Accurate Is The War That Saved My Life?
The book is very accurate in its details. The author did deep research on the British evacuation and wartime life. The setting, events, and daily struggles all reflect what really happened during that time.
Does The War That Saved My Life Have a Happy Ending?
Yes, but not in a perfect way. The ending brings hope and shows how far the characters have come. It’s not a fairy tale ending. But it feels real and satisfying, with Ada finally finding safety and love.
