The War That Saved My Life is a heartwarming story of an abused nine-year-old girl named Ada who finds confidence and worth in herself. The author, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, sends Ada to find a new family during World War II to escape the bombs. At first, no one wants this dirty, unkempt child, but single Susan Smith is forced to take her in. Her caretaker helps her see that she is not defined by what her mother thinks of her.

Susan cleans and feeds this malnourished child and shows them the love they’ve never experienced before. Ada learns to trust and accept love from others, but it is hard for her to accept because she knows that she may end up going back to her mother. When she receives a nice dress, she feels that she does not deserve to be pretty.

In the back of her mind, she is never free from home. Just like Ada, I was conflicted if she should hope for the best or expect to go back to her mother. Ada could be taken away at any moment from her new home, friends, and family. She would be put back into her chair with no crutches, no toilet, no clothes, and no love.

I’m glad that went into the book without any prior knowledge because it made it all the more shocking. When I first started reading this book, I expected a cliche story because of the title. There were cliches, but the book was much more than that. It’s a great coming-of-age story for parents to show their teens. It’s no wonder it was named a 2016 Newbery Honor book.

Ada’s story may have some effect on sensitive readers but I believe its educational value is exceptional. The themes of the book give me joy because they remind me about things that we easily forget. This book is great for telling children that everyone is important. I’d happily give this book to my brother or sister to help them be aware that not everyone has people to love them.

There wasn’t a time when I wanted to put this book down. I related closely to Ada from thinking of herself so lowly to learning to be happy for the first time. The War that Saved My Life is written so simply to show such a powerful message.