#2 in The War That Saved My Life Series
The War I Finally Won
on Goodreads (42,331)
What’s inside...
The War I Finally Won is the sequel to the award-winning book, 'The War that Saved my Life'. The novel continues the story of Ada Smith, a young girl living in World War II England, who had to overcome her physical disability, the loss of her mother, and the adversities of war. In this book, Ada continues to confront her past while finding her own identity amid the chaos of war.
Why read this book
- Highlights resilience during challenging historical times.
- Encourages empathy and understanding of diverse experiences.
- Supports development of emotional and social skills.
- Inspires curiosity about history and human behavior.
The Big Picture
- Promotes resilience and empathy through historical narrative.
- Encourages understanding of war's impact on lives.
- Facilitates discussions on personal and societal challenges.
- Highlights importance of acceptance and supportive relationships.
Diversity & Representation
- Features British and Jewish cultural perspectives during World War II.
- Includes characters from different socioeconomic backgrounds, adding depth.
- Promotes understanding and empathy through diverse character experiences.
Book in series
#2
Age
10-12
Length
387 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
How did Ada’s experiences during the war change her view of the world and herself?
In what ways did the support of friends and family influence Ada’s journey throughout the story?
What role do bravery and resilience play in the characters' lives during challenging times?
How does the author use historical events to shape the story, and what can we learn from them?
What did you find most inspiring about Ada’s character and her actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Ada's, discussing any obstacles they've overcome and the support they received.
Draw parallels between historical events in the story and current events, fostering a deeper understanding of the impacts of history.
Highlight Ada's growth and how she deals with her challenges, asking your child how they might react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness as demonstrated by various characters and explore how these virtues can be applied in your child’s daily life.
What parents love
Handled war themes delicately, suitable for kids.
Engaging and educational, perfect for young history buffs.
Promotes empathy and resilience, important for child's growth.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Ada, overcomes physical and emotional hardships, showcasing immense personal growth and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with strength and perseverance, understanding that personal growth often comes through overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through interactions with diverse characters, Ada learns to understand and empathize with different perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cultivate empathy in their interactions, promoting an inclusive attitude towards people from various walks of life.
Example Lesson: The importance of family and support
Explanation: Ada experiences the true meaning of family and support through her adoptive mother, demonstrating that family extends beyond biological ties.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and value the support systems around them, be it family or friends, understanding their importance in personal development and security.
Example Lesson: Courage to change one’s beliefs
Explanation: Ada confronts and challenges her previously held prejudices and beliefs, learning to accept new truths.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being open to change and re-evaluating their own beliefs and attitudes in light of new experiences and information.
Example Lesson: The power of education
Explanation: Ada's journey highlights how education opens doors to new opportunities and broadens her worldview.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value their education as a tool for personal growth, understanding, and accessing opportunities that can lead to a better future.