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TL;DR: Ten-year-old Ada was born with a clubfoot, and her cruel mother keeps her locked in their London flat, ashamed of her. When the Second World War begins and children are evacuated from London, Ada sneaks out with her little brother, Jamie. They are sent to the countryside and placed with Susan Smith, a grieving woman who does not want children. Ada's new life begins.
Table of Contents
The War That Saved My Life at a Glance
| Author | Kimberly Brubaker Bradley |
| First published | 2015 |
| Type | Historical fiction |
| Best for | young readers who want a moving historical story about courage, healing and home |
The War That Saved My Life is a novel by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, published in 2015. It won a Newbery Honor and the Schneider Family Book Award. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes child abuse, war, bombing and trauma.
Main Characters
- Ada Smith: A ten-year-old girl with a clubfoot.
- Jamie Smith: Ada's younger brother.
- Susan Smith: The woman who takes in Ada and Jamie.
- Mam: Ada's abusive mother.
- Butter: A pony Ada learns to ride.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Locked away
Ada has never left her flat. Her mother calls her names and beats her. Ada watches the world from the window. When the war begins, children are sent to the country for safety. Mam refuses to let Ada go, but Ada teaches herself to walk and secretly leaves with Jamie.
Susan
In Kent, Ada and Jamie are left with Susan Smith, who lives alone and is grieving her friend Becky. She does not want children, but she takes care of them. She feeds them, gives them baths, buys them clothes and takes them to a doctor. Ada is confused by kindness and expects it to end.
Butter
Ada discovers Butter, a pony, and teaches herself to ride. She feels free for the first time. She learns to read and sew with Susan's help. She makes friends with a girl named Maggie. Ada begins to trust Susan, though she still has panic attacks and nightmares.
The war
The war comes closer. Ada sees soldiers returning from Dunkirk and helps during a crisis. She catches a spy and is praised. Susan learns that Ada's clubfoot can be fixed with surgery. Ada starts to imagine a future, but she is afraid to hope.
Home
Mam arrives and takes Ada and Jamie back to London. Mam is as cruel as ever. During a bombing raid, Ada decides she will not stay. Susan comes to London to find them. They return to Kent, where they learn that Susan's house was bombed. Ada realizes that home is where they are loved.
5 Key Takeaways
- Kindness can heal deep wounds.
- Courage can grow in hard times.
- Family is about love, not just blood.
- Disability does not define a person.
- Trauma takes time to heal.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Everyone deserves love and respect.
- Learning can bring freedom.
- Home is where you are safe and valued.
Who Should Read The War That Saved My Life?
Read The War That Saved My Life if you are a young reader who enjoys historical fiction and stories about resilience. It suits ages 9 to 13.
About Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (born 1967) is an American author of historical fiction for young readers. She was inspired partly by her own experiences with family and disability. The sequel, The War I Finally Won, was published in 2017. Her other books include Jefferson's Sons and Fighting Words, which won a Newbery Honor.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The War That Saved My Life:
- How does Susan help Ada heal?
- Why does Ada struggle to accept kindness?
- What does home mean to Ada?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The War That Saved My Life is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The War That Saved My Life, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is moving, hopeful and beautifully written.
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What to Read Next
- The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: the sequel
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: a girl's courage during the Second World War
- Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian: an evacuee finds a home
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The War That Saved My Life about?
A girl with a clubfoot escapes her abusive mother during the Second World War.
Who wrote it?
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, in 2015.
Who is Ada?
A ten-year-old girl with a clubfoot.
Who is Susan Smith?
The woman who takes in Ada and Jamie.
Where is it set?
London and Kent during the Second World War.
Who is Butter?
A pony Ada learns to ride.
Did it win awards?
Yes, a Newbery Honor and the Schneider Family Book Award.
Is there a sequel?
Yes, The War I Finally Won.
What age is it for?
About 9 to 13.
How long is it?
About 320 pages.
Is it sad?
It has sad moments but is very hopeful.
Is it based on history?
Yes, on the evacuation of children from London.
Is it good for reading aloud?
Yes. Ada's voice is clear and powerful.
Is The War That Saved My Life worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a moving historical story about courage, healing and home. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.