The War that Saved my Life

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Lexile level 580

It’s December. Scuffed folders, dull crayons and worn erasers have replaced September’s shine, and students may be feeling overwhelmed with classroom expectations. It’s a great time of year to talk about perseverance and gratitude. The War that Saved My Life lends itself well to both topics. Even though the main character, Ada, suffers from an abusive mother and a physical disability, she perseveres and pursues the life she’s always wanted. Furthermore, the book is set during World War II. So, it provides an opportunity to reflect and give thanks that we are not enduring the hardships of war. Lastly, this is a great book for emotionally mature readers who hanker for complex themes yet struggle with higher level vocabulary and complex sentences. Savor this treat!