The War That Saved My Life

Praise

A Newbery Honor Book
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School)
Winner of the Josette Frank Award
Winner of the Sunshine State Young Readers Award
Forbes 25 Top Historical Fiction Books Of All Time selection
Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Books of the Year selection
New York Public Library’s 100 Books for Reading and Sharing selection
Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books of the Year selection
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year selection
Kirkus Best Books of the Year selection
Horn Book Fanfare Book of the Year selection

“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

“There is much to like here—Ada’s engaging voice, the vivid setting, the humor, the heartbreak, but most of all the tenacious will to survive.” —School Library Journal

“Poignant . . . Intricately weaves [together] themes of resilience, self-discovery and the power of love . . . Bradley’s portrayal of the impact of war on the lives of children adds a touching layer to this emotionally charged story.” —Forbes

“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

“Skillful, smooth . . . Ada’s tough journey from brokenness to healing is poignantly credible in its development and emotionally satisfying outcome. . . . The feel-good appeal of the rescue fantasy combines with the increasingly tense World War II backdrop to make this an effective page-turner.” —BCCB

“Expertly operating on many different levels, this exquisitely written novel incorporates themes of self-discovery and self-worth, strength of family, the power of love, and the many different kinds of courage. . . . Heart-lifting.” —Joy Fleishhacker for School Library Journal

“In lesser hands than those of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, the plot might tumble into cliché, but thanks to Ada’s unforgettable character and unflinching voice, you’re too busy cheering her on. . . . Artfully woven.” —Common Sense Media 

“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 Newbery Medal winner The Midwife’s Apprentice

“A moving story with an authentic voice. Beautifully told.” —Patricia MacLachlan, author of Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall

“I love Ada’s bold heart, keen wit, and amazingly fresh point of view. Her story’s riveting. I was with her every step of the way.” —Sheila Turnage, author of Newbery Honor book Three Times Lucky

“In Ada’s small war lies our large hope that love cannot, will not, be overcome. I read this novel in two big gulps.” —Gary D. Schmidt, author of National Book Award finalist Okay for Now