I wished Ada wasn’t so angsty with everyone but loved that Ada’s foot is fixed for good.And I was surprised how easily it was done. Bradley’s balance of the two in this book is brilliant. But there are also so many haunting experiences that they also show that remind us the cost of such fighting. I appreciate WWII literature because it shows us courage and faith in times of darkness and war. Bradley poignantly describes food shortages and grounds used to grow potatoes and other crops by the government, the perils of firewatching, Jonathan’s visits home from the front, waiting for telegrams at home at and school, people killed in action and in bombings. The images are compelling and evocative of the experiences on the British home front. I learned a lot about the life of the people living in fear of what war would do to those they love. This novel offers such a haunting look at life during WWII for those at home. How can she help the ones she loves and keep them safe?” However, circumstances bring them in close proximity along with other unexpected characters.Īda comes face to face with another German! This time she isn’t sure what she should do. Ada has never been interested in getting to know her friend’s family-especially Maggie’s mother, the formidable Lady Thorton. World War II continues, and forces the small community to come together and rely on one another.

Although Jamie adapts more easily, Ada still struggles with the aftermath of her old life, and how to fit into her new life. I haven’t read too much about this time and I found the historical context difficult and fascinating.Īccording to Goodreads, “ Ada and her younger brother, Jamie, now have a permanent home with their loving legal guardian, Susan Smith. We are still in the midst of WWII and the difficult circumstances of the people in the UK–even after the Blitz. I was a bit surprised that this story picks up the narrative right after the first book finishes.I was excited to get back into Ada’s story and hear about her life with Susan and brother Jamie. But I finally picked it up at one of our favorite local bookstores in August. I think that novel deserved to win the Newbery Medal in 2016 instead of Last Stop on Market Street (don’t get me started on that award winner).Īnyways, I have seen this sequel at the library and bookstores for a while now.

This novel is the sequel to one of my favorite Newbery Honor books: The War that Saved my Life.

I am excited to share my review of The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

The war that finally won