The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

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Title: The War That Saved My Life
Genre: Historical Fiction
Author/Illustrator: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Major awards: Newberry Award
Age group: 5th-8th

Summary
This story follows the life of a young girl named Ada.  She is living her everyday life in the time of World War II.  On top of that she also has a disability that impairs her mobile ability to walk.  Ada comes from an abusive home where her brother is the favorite and the only reason she is abused is because of her disability.  Through the novel we get to see Ada's growth that comes from escaping the abusive home and trusting in a stranger who maybe needed Ada more than Ada needed her.  An element that Ada always makes present is her kindness regardless of what her situation is the kindness that she shows to others and her perseverance to strive past the label of "disabled".  In the end Ada and her brother are taken in by a kind older woman where a symbiotic relationship is held, meaning they need each other equally.
Evaluation
If I were teaching middle school I would probably use this novel.  Children of that age have already or are currently learning about the historical aspect of World War II and  this would bring a lesson full circle for them and show them how the subjects all interlock. I also believe that this novel touches on the nature vs. nurture debate and can show students that they have the possibility to really do whatever they want to in life regardless of where they come from or how they are raised.

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