The War that Saved my Life - Kimberley Brubaker Bradley
An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.
Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.
~ Excert taken from Amazon.ca
Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.
~ Excert taken from Amazon.ca
Themes: Abuse, Living with Illness and DIsabilities, Overcoming Challenges, Foster Care, Siblings, WWII, Acceptance, Family, Concept of Self
Recomended Grades - 4 to 7
Reading Level - 6, Scholastic Guided Reading Z
Suggested Ways to Use It: Read Aloud, Independent Novel Study, Excellent Addition to Literature Circles
Literature Circle: WWII Theme
Prisoner B-3087 - Alan Gratz
The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak
Echo: A Novel - Pam Munoz Ryan
Number the Stars - Lois Lowry
Code Name Verity - Elizabeth Wein
The Devil's Arithmetic - Jane Yolen
Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne
Between Shades of Grey - Ruta Sepetys
Paper Wishes - Lois Sepahban
Literature Circles / Unit / Parallel Novel Study: Acceptance, Family, Overcoming ChallengesTheme
This is so much more than just a WWII book. It is very much a book about overcoming what makes you different. I really thought it would pair well with:
Wonder - R.J. Palacio
El Deafo - CeCe Bell
Out of My Mind - Sharon Draper
Counting by 7's - Holly Goldberg Sloan
Recomended Grades - 4 to 7
Reading Level - 6, Scholastic Guided Reading Z
Suggested Ways to Use It: Read Aloud, Independent Novel Study, Excellent Addition to Literature Circles
Literature Circle: WWII Theme
Prisoner B-3087 - Alan Gratz
The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak
Echo: A Novel - Pam Munoz Ryan
Number the Stars - Lois Lowry
Code Name Verity - Elizabeth Wein
The Devil's Arithmetic - Jane Yolen
Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne
Between Shades of Grey - Ruta Sepetys
Paper Wishes - Lois Sepahban
Literature Circles / Unit / Parallel Novel Study: Acceptance, Family, Overcoming ChallengesTheme
This is so much more than just a WWII book. It is very much a book about overcoming what makes you different. I really thought it would pair well with:
Wonder - R.J. Palacio
El Deafo - CeCe Bell
Out of My Mind - Sharon Draper
Counting by 7's - Holly Goldberg Sloan
Discussion Questions - A list of at least one discussion question from each chapter. These can be used to guide reading response journals, blog posts etc.
An Educator's Guide to The War that Saved my Life from Penguin - This guide is incredibly well done with so many fantastic ideas!
An Educator's Guide to The War that Saved my Life from Penguin - This guide is incredibly well done with so many fantastic ideas!