The War I Finally Won

I am a Christian bookworm who has been homeschooling a girl, 9, and a boy, 11, during the pandemic. I have chosen almost exclusively Newberry Award Winning books for their reading materials this year in the hopes of helping two kids who were behind in reading to fall in love with reading. We read The War that Saved My Life first. Somewhere along the way, the boy who had told me he would NEVER like reading and I couldn't make him, said "I just love this book!" It was indeed one of the most beautifully written children's books I have ever read, but the ending was quite abrupt, leaving the reader hanging. I was thrilled to find that there was a sequel. This book. As always, I read the reviews before ordering and was troubled to find a review "warning" that the clues to a homosexual relationship in the first book are clearly stated fact in the second book. Because of how well written the first was, I ordered it anyway, deciding I would read it myself before deciding whether to read it to the children. They are young, and in my judgement, too young to be exposed to such a topic. It is true that the first book AND this book make enough references to convince me that the English woman who cared for Ada and Jamie was indeed a woman who had been in a same sex relationship before her partner died. However, both books ever and only refer to that woman as her best friend, as someone she loved, and as someone whose death she grieved. Now, each person has to make their own judgements on these things, and I do not believe an Amazon review is the place to share mine. I just want to set the record straight because of the review I read. I am thinking carefully how I will handle any questions from my two students as to Why Susan's family disowned her and wouldn't see her anymore, though no such questions occurred in book 1. Once I settle that in my mind, I intend to read this beautiful story that is filled with WWII history, not to mention wisdom about the pain of life (child abuse, child neglect, death from war, etc.) and how to handle it courageously. The book is so memorable I have no doubt that one day when they are older, they may come to realize who Susan was. And, I believe it will give them compassion for people who are different from them. In that sense, at least, I think that will be a Christian thing.

The 14 year old granddaughter of a lifelong friend, suggested she read the first book "The War that Saved my Life". My friend thought so highly of it she sent me a copy. I read it very quickly, unusual for me, but it was very well-written, the story was compelling, thoughtful, touching, compassionate and engaging. The children in the story must leave London during WWII. The experiences of war are compelling enough, but to follow the lives of these and other children, in the story, was heart wrenching and heart warming. Having completed the book I had to know what happened next. Thus, "The War I finally Won". I was not disappointed. The themes introduced in both stories are of accepting differences, loss of those we love, what love means in its many forms, acceptance, transition, growth, kindness and compassion. You may as well buy both at the same time. Share with your young children, or encourage your youth-child to read. In the past year I have read four books about WWII, "All the Light We Cannot See" again about very special older youth & war, a stunningly beautiful book by Anthony Doerr, these two, and a true story "Child of the Warsaw Ghetto" by David Adler. Having recently read that some children have never heard of the Holocaust, repercussions the migration of children in England during WWII, or the internment camps for Japanese Americans, I was deeply saddened. I will be donating three of these books to our church library and write a short review to encourage families and youth to read them. If you have not read these books, I hope you will.

This book is a must read for those whom have read “The War That Saved My Life”! Readers will enjoy Ada more than ever along with a few other characters that will be gotten to be known better. The book expands on Ada’s life, and brings in some new aspects of World War II as well as different perspectives from various characters. Readers will enjoy learning more about beloved Maggie and learn about a new character named Ruth. This is a wonderful book in which readers will cherish. It is a great ending. Ada is an unforgettable character and becomes more so in this book! Buy a copy!!!!!

This was not on the Summer Reading List but the sequel to one that was.As the story continues, there is more growth for Ada and her younger brother, Jamie, as they settle into life on the English seaside during the war. It's super interesting to see how the people cope as the war wears them down over the years with bombings and rations and the uncertainties war brings. These characters have to deal with deaths as well - one of which brought me to tears while reading on a subway train.The capacity for these characters to adapt, change and open their minds is the lesson here, along with the demonstration of the resilience of the human character.Sometimes dabbling in the YA category brings as much knowledge as books targeting more mature readers.

I read this book just to see what my daughter was reading and thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction. It shows the strength of a young girl as she battles to overcome a disability and abuse during war time. It shows what love from those who really care can overcome many things.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. I work with middle-grade kids and they kept talking about these books (this is the sequel to The War that Saved my Life). Got them from the library and loved them so much that I bought them and gave them to a bunch of people to read. It's an easy read since it's for younger readers, but a great story. You won't be able to put it down!

Fantastic book! I bought this after reading reviews on a teacher page and wasn’t disappointed. I’ve added it to my fifth grade classroom library and now have a waiting list.

Lo compré para mi hijo porque le había gustado mucho la primera parte. Yo he leído también las dos, buenos libros y buen precio.

good horse story

Fantastic book to read aloud to a class!