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The War That Saved My Life (2000)

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley(Favorite Author)

4.61 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0803740816 (ISBN13: 9780803740815)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

review 1: I'm sort of on the fence about rating this book. I was tempted to give it a 4, but I'm not sure if there was anything "wrong" with it. I also don't know how someone in the target audience (8-12 year olds) would like this book. (I don't personally know any 9-12 year olds) I found the premise of this book intriguing. It turned out to be different than I expected, but in a good way. It was less about overcoming a physical handicap, and more about the battle for self-worth. It was an emotional battle within the framework of the second World War. The characters are well-rounded--even the minor ones. When I found the situations too coincidental or perfect, I was still able to keep my head in the story. I read this book in two sittings, so I was clearly drawn in! The m... moreain character narrates, and her head is sometimes an unpleasant place. But it didn't keep me from liking her. I was rooting for the characters all the way.
review 2: One of the finest middle school novels I've read in quite a while. We are treated to an intense and involving reading experience guided by a strong narrator/heroine in the person of evacuee Ada Smith. Bradley does a particularly wonderful job of integrating vivid historic detail and emotionally believable situations. The characterizations (Jamie, Susan, Margaret, Mr Grimes, Mam, etc.) are complex and well drawn. So much so that I began to long for a second novel about these people and their lives as it became clear that this novel was drawing to an immensely satisfying close. This is a fine novel and reminiscent of another emotionally wrenching tale of another WWII evacuee--Goodnight Mister Tom. It has the bittersweet, British homefront intensity of Mrs. Miniver and some of the drama of Foyle's War. Put this #1 on your 2015 list of must reads. less

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