An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds, set during World War II. Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room flat. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him. So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Miss Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take in the two children. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother? This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.
The War That Saved My Life Series
This series chronicles the lives of children navigating the challenges of World War II, forced to leave their homes and discover resilience they never knew they possessed. Thrust into unfamiliar circumstances, they forge unexpected bonds and confront adversity with growing courage. It's a moving exploration of survival, the discovery of self-worth, and the profound impact of chosen family during wartime. The narratives beautifully capture themes of hope, belonging, and the enduring human spirit against a backdrop of historical turmoil.
Recommended Reading Order
The War I Finally Won
- 416 pages
- 15 hours of reading
Eleven-year-old Ada's clubfoot has been fixed at last, and she know now that she's not what her mother said she was- damaged and deranged. But then who is she? World War II rages on, and Ada, her brother, and their guardian Susan, move into a cottage with the iron-faced Lady Thorton and her daughter. Life in the crowded home is tense. Then Ruth moves in. Ruth, a Jewish, girl from Germany. Could Ruth be a spy? Or is there more to Ruth than Ada expected? As Ada does her best to help with the war efforts, she starts to learn a lot about who she wants to be, how she can keep fightting, and who she will attempt to save. --Back cover