The War That Saved My Life

Mam came to get her mug. I see that look in your eyes, my girl, she said. Don t start thinking you can cross me. You re lucky I put up with you as it is. You ve no idea how much worse things can be.

I had poured myself a mug of tea too. I took a deep swallow, and felt the hot liquid scald a trail clear down to my gut. Mam wasn t kidding. But then, neither was I.

There are all kinds of wars.

This story I m telling starts out four years ago, at the beginning of the summer of 1939. England stood on the edge of another Great War then, the war we re in the middle of now. Most people were afraid. I was ten years old (though I didn t know my age at the time), and while I d heard of Hitler little bits and pieces and swear words that floated from the lane to my third-floor window I wasn t the least concerned about him or any other war fought between nations. You d think from what I ve already told you that I was at war with my mother, but my first war, the one I waged that June, was between my brother and me.

Jamie had a mop of dirt-brown hair, the eyes of an angel, and the soul of an imp. Mam said he was six years old, and would have to start school in the fall. Unlike me, he had strong legs, and two sound feet on the ends of them. He used them to run away from me.

I dreaded being alone.

Our flat was one room on the third floor above the pub where Mam worked nights. In the mornings Mam slept late, and it was my job to get Jamie something to eat and keep him quiet until she was ready to wake up. Then Mam usually went out, to shop or talk to women in the lane; s

. Bradley's portrayal of the impact of war on the lives of children adds a touching layer to this emotionally charged story."  Forbes

"The home-front realities of WWII, as well as Ada s realistic anger and fear, come to life in Bradley s affecting and austerely told story, and readers will cheer for steadfast Ada as she triumphs over despair." Booklist

"Skillful, smooth . . . Ada's tough journey from brokenness to healing is poignantly credible in its development and emotionally satisfying outcome. . . . The feel-good appeal of the rescue fantasy combines with the increasingly tense World War II backdrop to make this an effective page-turner." BCCB

Expertly operating on many different levels, this exquisitely written novel incorporates themes of self-discovery and self-worth, strength of family, the power of love, and the many different kinds of courage. . . . Heart-lifting. Joy Fleishhacker for School Library Journal

"In lesser hands than those of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, the plot might tumble into cliché, but thanks to Ada's unforgettable character and unflinching voice, you're too busy cheering her on. . . . Artfully woven."  Common Sense Media 

"An astounding novel. Will you cry and rejoice and hold your breath? Absolutely. Will you find the book as exciting, wise, and profound as I did? Yes. This book is remarkable." Karen Cushman, author of Newbery Medal winner The Midwife's Apprentice

"A moving story with an authentic voice. Beautifully told." Patricia MacLachlan, author of Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall

"I love Ada's bold heart, keen wit, and amazingly fresh point of view. Her story's riveting. I was with her every step of the way." Sheila Turnage, author of Newbery Honor book Three Times Lucky

"In Ada's small war lies our large hope that love cannot, will not, be overcome. I read this novel in two big gulps." Gary D. Schmidt, author of National Book Award finalist Okay for Now