School Library Journal Review
| Gr 4-6-Eleven-year-old Ada picks up her story shortly after The War That Saved My Life left off. She's in the hospital, nervously awaiting the surgery that will fix her club foot, when Susan receives a letter from Lady Thornton that obviously upsets her. Turns out, Ada's mother was killed in a bombing. Ada does not know how to feel about that, but, ever practical, she worries about where that leaves her and brother Jamie now that they are war orphans instead of child evacuees. Despite Susan's assurances that the three of them are family now, Ada remains prickly and irritable, particularly when Jamie falls easily into calling Susan "Mum." The three move into a cottage on the Thornton estate and are soon joined by Lady Thornton when the big house is needed for the war effort. Ada is leery of Lady Thornton, but living in close quarters brings out the best and worst in everyone, especially when Lord Thornton arrives with a German Jewish girl named Ruth whom he wishes Susan to tutor. Ada's unique voice helps evoke the novel's vivid setting and numerous complex characters. There is destitution but plenty of humor. There is also plenty of heartbreak and loss, so readers will want to keep a box of tissues handy. VERDICT Fans of the first book will love the sequel even more; truly a first purchase. While it stands alone, encourage readers to read both books to fully appreciate Ada's remarkable and wholly believable triumph.-Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Booklist Review
| In this sequel to Bradley's Newbery Honor Book The War That Saved My Life (2015), Ada finally gets the surgery she needs to repair the clubfoot that limited her mobility and made her believe she was unworthy of love. Now she can walk even run! better than ever, though she has other wounds to heal; namely, the trauma wrought by her neglectful, abusive mother. Meanwhile, a German Jewish refugee, Ruth, is living with Ada, Susan, and Jamie; Lady Thornton is pricklier than ever; and Ada finds herself struggling to fully comprehend the complex emotions of the adults around her. In an episodic structure, Bradley movingly narrates Ada's gradual emotional growth against the backdrop of WWII, as she comes to trust her friends and family and relinquish some of her need to be in control. Bradley is perhaps at her best when describing Ada's love of horses and the therapeutic effect the animals have on her and Ruth, who's facing prejudice in England and fearing for her family back in Germany. A bittersweet story with a triumphant conclusion.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2017 Booklist |
