The War that Saved My Life

“Don’t you be talkin’ to nobody!”Mam said.

“Jamie’s out there” I mumbled.

“And why shouldn’t her be?” Mam said.  “He ain’t a cripple.  Not like you.”

So begins the story of Ada Smith, a young girl that lives in London during WWII with her mother and her little brother, Jamie.  When kids are shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada sneaks out of the house to follow Jamie.  The children wind up in the care of Susan Smith (no relation) who, although she really doesn’t feel like taking in two children, agrees to do so.

The characters in this book were finely drawn.  I was rooting for Ada and Jamie, wanting them to thrive under the care of Susan.  I was rooting for Susan, who had problems of her own.  And try as I might not to, I really could not abide Mrs. Smith, the mother!  I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and have recommended it to readers of all ages.

The War that Saved My Life is one of the Young Hoosier nominees for the upcoming school year.  I can’t wait for the sequel, due in October, which continues Ada’s journey, called “the War I Finally Won”.