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Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Contra Costa County Library.
Apr 29, 2020OPL_KIDS rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The War That Saved My Life is a moving (and sometimes emotionally challenging) story about Ada and her brother's fight to survive World War II while coping with Ada's uncorrected club foot. In Ada's case, the fight for survival is as much a mental fight as a physical one due to the emotional and physical abuse that she endured from her mother. The abuse leaves her with mental scars that create challenges even as the plot develops and situations improve. The depth of emotion in this story feels a bit shallow at times, but I can see as to why that might be called for in a children's novel dealing with such an emotionally challenging issue. It may even have been written that way to more fully express Ada's fluctuating ability to process and cope with the traumas she experienced. Parents should be made aware that there is one instance in which Ada's mother calls someone a word that some parents may consider inappropriate for some children. There was also one particular plot resolution that I felt was unrealistic, but not so notable as to affect the overall value of the story. Overall, it's definitely a book I would recommend to anyone interested in juvenile historical fiction (as long as they are ready for the emotionally challenging content). Additionally, readers who enjoy this story should DEFINITELY read the sequel, entitled The War I Finally Won. It's even better than the first. Reviewed by Miss Allison