THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE, by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley

The story: Crippled Ada can't remember ever having left her third story apartment in the East End of London, where she's learned what she knows of life from looking out the window. When the threat of bombs forces her to make a move, she and her younger brother Jamie find themselves evacuated to the country--and also find out just how much they don't know about things everyone else takes for granted. Can Ada find the courage to let go of her abusive past and learn to trust in her future?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (child abuse & resulting mental disturbances) PG; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: I liked this story, and think it would appeal to many younger readers, especially those curious about what life might be like in a country at war. Because of her ignorance, Ada frequently reads more immature than her age, although (for me, as an adult, that made sense because of her lack of exposure to life in general) that made sense. An uncomplicated read, good for grades 4-7. The sequel, The War I Finally Won, is equally good.