The war I finally won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Text, 2017. ISBN 9781925498851
Highly recommended. Sequel to the award winning The war
that saved my life. "When Ada's clubfoot is surgically fixed
at last, she knows for certain that she's not what her mother said
she was - damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as
physically. She's not a daughter anymore, either. What is she? World
War II continues, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, are living with
their loving legal guardian, Susan, in a borrowed cottage on the
estate of the formidable Lady Thorton - along with Lady Thorton
herself and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded cottage is
tense enough, and then, quite suddenly, Ruth, a Jewish girl from
Germany, moves in. A German? The occupants of the house are
horrified. But other impacts of the war become far more frightening.
As death creeps closer to their door, life and morality during
wartime grow more complex. Who is Ada now? How can she keep
fighting? And who will she struggle to save?" Publisher
I absolutely loved this book. I found myself wanting to read it any
spare moment I had. Although I had not read the other books about
Ada I did not have any trouble following the storyline - although I
will be seeking out the first book! The characters are so lifelike
and it is extremely easy to make emotional connections with each and
every one of them. The story touches on persistence, love,
friendship and ignorance.
It would make a fantastic read aloud although it would need to be
for upper primary students as there are references to the abuse and
neglect Ada faced prior to being evacuated from London. It provides
a fantastic insight into the hardships that affected all during the
war - from the very poor to the wealthy. A must have for the library
collection. Teacher's
notes are available.
Kathryn Schumacher