If you are looking for WWII historical fiction for readers age 10 and up, THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE will not disappoint. Author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley takes readers to the English countryside as the war is beginning to rage throughout Europe and headed toward England.
Ada and her brother Jaime live in London with their vindictive mother. Their living conditions are poor and food is scarce. Jaime attends school with other kids in the neighborhood, but Ada rarely leaves their small flat. She sits at the window and watches as the world passes her by. Born with a clubfoot, Ada's mother is ashamed of the deformity and keeps Ada hidden away.
Ada is expected to prepare the meals and tea and keep watch over her younger brother while her mother works nights at a nearby pub. Any small error results in Ada being locked away in a tiny kitchen cupboard. She fears the smelly, cockroach infested space with every fiber of her being, but there's is nothing she can do.
When the children of London are sent to the countryside to escape the forecasted bombing as the war ramps up, Ada's mother sees it as a chance to rid herself of the children she never wanted in the first place. Ada and Jaime end up living with Susan, a sad, anxiety ridden woman in a small village.
Susan never pictured herself having children or tending to someone else's so the relationship is filled with tension. Neither Ada nor Jaime are very worldly making communication about manners and customs difficult. The three must learn to trust one another as they slowly form a bond that turns out benefiting all.
There is a sequel titled THE WAR I FINALLY WON. I'm eager to continue following Ada's adventures.
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