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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
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
Reviews (see all)
Lishila
This is one of the best books for young readers I've read this year. Beautifully told story.
Aline
Great audiobook. Subtle changes in accents brighten a stellar story.
Dave
Excellent historical fiction for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.
bornagaindiva
Reviewing for SLJ, but I must say that I did love it.
faithheine
review to come
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