Skip to main content

The War I Finally Won



The War I Finally Won 
By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2017. 385 p.

I loved The War that Saved My Life! (It was the Odyssey Award Winner for the year that I was on the Odyssey Award Committee. So I got to know that book very well.) So I was excited, yet a little apprehensive when I heard that this next book was coming out. Would I like it as much? Would it live up to the expectations and glory of the first book? How would it fair?

In this sequel, Ada’s clubfoot has been fixed. She is living with Miss Smith and her brother—yet the war is still going strong. Lady Thorton allows the family to move into a cottage on her estate, though Lady Thorton moves in with them when the government needs to use her house for the war effort. And not only that, but a German Jewish girl named Ruth has come to stay with them, which causes Ada to have to sort through feelings of if she trusts Ruth or not (she is a German…and Germans are who they are fighting—though Ruth had to flee Germany since she is Jewish).

There is so much in this book, and it is all handled so well. Ada is often frustrated and angry and confused (this book shows yet again just how much she doesn’t know due to her unfortunate upbringing). Yet, there is also kindness, love, and acceptance. Mostly, there is a girl who is trying to overcome her particular challenges while her life (and the world) is in a bit of chaos. This is a good sequel. One that will stick with me for a long while yet.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

De la hora del cuento: La letra "H"

  Cuentos Cuando tu niñera es una bruja Escrito por Ana Siqueira Ilustrado por Irena Freitas New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. Libro ilustrado. "Si consigues una nueva niñera y ya casi es Halloween, ten cuidado ... ¡porque podría ser una bruja!" --Editor Cuentitos Mi ofrenda Por Mariana Galvez   Los Angeles, California: Little Libros, LLC, 2022. Pequeño libro ilustrado. "Finalmente ha llegado el momento y Amelia necesita tu ayuda para recoger art̕culos para la ofrenda de su familia. A través del uso de colores, este libro de buscar y encontrar les enseñará a sus pequeños el significado especial que tienen los artículos cotidianos durante el Día de Muertos." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "H" Hola. ¡Adiós! Hermana pegajosa Hansel y Gretel ¡Hola, Capitán! Nuestras Ancestras: Tejiendo Historias En Mi Huipil

If You Like ... Super Silly Read Alouds

If you like super silly read alouds, these playful picture books are for you! Young readers get to laugh, imagine, and become part of the storytelling fun! From upside-down adventures and magical spells to silly surprises and unexpected telephone calls, each book offers something delightfully different. These books are sure to inspire giggles, curiosity, and plenty of conversation. Pandamonium! Written by Annie Bailey Illusrated by Bonnie Wong New York : Feiwel and Freinds, 2026. When the panda family gathers for a reunion, they attempt to take the perfect family photograph. Despite their best efforts to look their finest and sit still, the little pandas become increasingly wiggly and giggly. Fun panda facts at the end add an educational touch to this playful celebration of family togetherness. I Think We're Upside Down! By Marcus Cutler New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2026. Rabbit and Raccoon discover that something is very wrong with their world. When Raccoon’s new basketball ...

Books to Read When... You're Feeling Dreamy

As the days get shorter and the nights feel darker, my dreams become more vivid. I love waking up remembering little pieces of the adventures my mind had while I slept. Here are some fanciful picture books to take you to dreamland. If the Moon Written by Matthew Burgess Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe Naperville, IL : Stonefruit Studio, an imprint of Sourcebooks, 2026. Picture book. This lyrical bedtime picture book explores possibility and imagination through dreams. A little child transports and transforms between inner worlds (and outer space!) while falling asleep. White pages, variegated blacks, and blurry, cozy colors play together as the liminal spaces between waking and dreaming.  Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup Written by Giovanna Zoboli Illustrated by Mariachiara di Giorgio Translated from Italian by Denise Muir Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture book. Mr. Lepron's homemade vegetable soup is so extraordinary that he ...