#1 in The War That Saved My Life Series
The War that Saved My Life
2015 by
on Goodreads (104,853)
What’s inside...
A young disabled girl and her brother are evacuated from London to the English countryside during World War II, where they find life to be much sweeter away from their abusive mother.
Why read this book
- Empowers resilience and self-discovery.
- Historical backdrop enhances educational value.
- Addresses themes of freedom and belonging.
- Encourages empathy and emotional growth.
The Big Picture
- Theme of resilience against personal and external challenges
- Importance of love and support in overcoming adversity
- Encourages understanding and empathy towards others
- Inspires courage to seek change for personal growth
Diversity & Representation
- Portrays resilience in differently-abled main character, Ada.
- Highlights socio-economic disparities during WWII era.
- Demonstrates diverse family dynamics and overcoming adversity.
Book in series
#1
Age
9-11
Length
316 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think Ada felt when she moved from London to the countryside? What clues in the book helped you understand her feelings?
What changes did you notice in Ada throughout the story? Can you think of a moment where she showed bravery?
How did the relationships between characters evolve, especially between Ada and Susan? What made their bond special?
In what ways did the war impact the characters and their choices? Can you think of a decision that was heavily influenced by the war?
What do you think is the main message of 'The War that Saved My Life'? How does this message relate to your own life experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your thoughts on Ada’s journey and encourage your child to explore their feelings about the characters. Use examples from both the book and personal life to draw parallels. Highlight the resilience and growth exhibited by the characters, reinforcing these values for your child’s development. Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes. Reinforce the importance of overcoming adversity and personal growth, key themes in the book.
What parents love
Beautifully written, emotionally charged story.
Handles tough topics sensitively for young readers.
Engaging, educational, and inspiring for middle graders.
Promotes empathy and understanding through historical context.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Ada, demonstrates resilience as she learns to overcome her physical disability and the emotional abuse she faced at home. She courageously adapts to new challenges during World War II.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination and courage, understanding that adversity can be overcome with persistence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters learn to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly in how Ada and her brother Jamie form a bond with their caretaker Susan, who has her own struggles.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, fostering kindness and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of family and friendship
Explanation: Ada's relationship with Susan and Jamie evolves into a deep familial connection, exemplifying that family can be formed through mutual support and love, not just biology.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and nurture relationships in their lives, recognizing the importance of forming strong, supportive bonds with those around them.
Example Lesson: Courage to change
Explanation: Ada’s journey from a terrified, abused child to a confident and empowered individual highlights the courage it takes to change one's circumstances and self-perception.
Real-World Application: This narrative can inspire children to embrace the courage to seek positive changes in their own lives, be it changing how they view themselves or their situations.
Example Lesson: Independence and self-reliance
Explanation: As Ada learns to ride a horse and read, she grows more independent, reinforcing the importance of self-reliance and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to pursue new skills and hobbies that foster their independence and confidence.