"The War That Saved My Life" and "The War I Finally Won" by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.

 

So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?

I have read quite a few books that take place during the World War II era, but not quite like The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won. Ada was born with a club foot and because of it, has never been allowed to leave her home. She and her brother Jamie live with their often absent and abusive mother. While Jamie is allowed to leave their apartment, neither child has lived the life that a child should. When Jamie is sent away from London, for his safety because of the war, Ada sneaks away to be with him. She has no idea that this is going to be the best decision she has ever made and that she will finally be allowed to live. Ada and Jamie are placed with a woman named Susan. All three have a lot to learn about living with one another and allowing other people to help them, but it ends up being the best situation for everyone. The War I Finally Won picks up right where the first book left off (no spoilers) and continues to focus on Ada's self growth throughout the war.

Though set during World War II, the plot does not center around it. Naturally, it is discussed and the characters are often deeply effected by it, but the war is not the focus of the novels. Instead we get to see how Ada learns about a world she has never been allowed to experience and she how she grows. We get to see how she improves her life and the lives of those around her. We also get to see Jamie grow.  Reading this book as an adult, I found this book fascinating, but heart breaking. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley touches on some very mature topics, such as Ada's abuse and details with the war. I'm not certain if I would have appreciated this book had a I read it as a child. There are times where the plot moved somewhat slow. Because I like Bradley's writing, it wasn't a struggle to continue reading, but this also makes me wonder if the books would appeal to younger readers. I did enjoy that the novel includes many of the aspects of what actions the characters took to help the war effort. I personally find these details in books interesting. Overall, I recommend giving this book a try, but don't be surprised if you find it's not quite your cup of tea.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Hatchet" by Gary Pulsen

I may be the only person in the world who is not impressed by Gary Paulsen's Hatchet. I often get asked 'have you read insert-book-title-here?' Hatchet is one of the books I get asked about a lot and it's always followed with praise by the asker. So because of this, I must have expectations that were way too high.

Brian's parents are divorced and he is on his way to see his father for the first time since their separation. As they are flying over a forest, the pilot suffers from a heart attack and suddenly Brian is left all alone and it's up to him to try and land the plane. He crashes in the middle of no where and has no choice but to figure out how to survive.

In my life I have read many many books about people having to survive without the help from others. Included in this list are My Side of the Mountain, Call it Courage, and Island of the Blue Dolphins all of which handle the subject matter wonderfully. Hatchet on the other hand, does not. I felt that Paulsen spent far too much time telling me as the reader what happened instead of showing it. There were really only two scenes where I felt any connection to Brian or felt major concern for his well being.I fully expected that this book would grab and keep my interest, but in the end I think it fell flat. I have read more by Paulsen so I know that I otherwise like his writing, but know that I will not be making any more progress with the Brian books (Though I just might watch the movie).



Happy Reading

"Belle Teal" by Ann M. Martin

Once again, here is another great book from Ann M. Martin (don't worry, I think I have finally re-read the last of her books I'm planning to read for awhile, so I'll stop fan-girl mode now). Belle Teal is the story of girl growing up during a difficult time but she still manages to find the good things in life. Belle Teal is about to start a new school year and she is very excited to finally has Miss Casey as her teacher. But things won't be easy as starting this year, children of all races will be attending school together and this causes a lot of problems for Belle Teal and her friendships, but new and old. In addition, her beloved Gran is getting older and not remembering much causing more hardships as Belle Teal's world begins to change.

Once again, Martin address issues that aren't always discussed in children's books. I can't really think of another book that deals with what is like when a grandparent or other loved one begins to slip away mentally (as someone that has personally gone through this, it's a topic that I think is very important to address). Though this really isn't the primary focus of the book, it is the one detail that has always stuck with me. I do wish that more books talked about it. In addition to the changes going on in Belle Teal's household, I'm glad that this book also touches on the history of the integration that took place in schools. As a kid, that was a topic that I had difficulty wrapping my head around, so it was good to be able to read about from the perspective of someone going through that experience. Once again, this is a must read, both for the historical elements, but for the family moments as well.

Happy Reading!
-Melly