By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Flap Copy Description:
When Ada’s clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she’s not what her mother said she was—damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. She’s not a daughter anymore, either. What is she?
World War II continues, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, are living with their loving legal guardian, Susan, in a borrowed cottage on the estate of the formidable Lady Thorton—along with Lady Thorton herself and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded cottage is tense enough, and then, quite suddenly, Ruth, a Jewish girl from Germany, moves in. A German? The occupants of the house are horrified. But other impacts of the war become far more frightening. As death creeps closer to their door, life and morality during wartime grow more complex. Who is Ada now? How can she keep fighting? And who will she struggle to save?
My Thoughts:
This companion book, The War I Finally Won is just as captivating, as the Newbery Honor Book, The War That Saved My Life. One of the elements I most appreciate in Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's books is the authenticity of the settings - it's obvious she does her research. Additionally, the character development and voice are wonderful. I highly recommend this middle grade novel to readers of all ages!
