Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—a Newbery Honor winner that earns every bit of its acclaim. It's not an easy read emotionally (child abuse, war, trauma), but it's handled with such care and skill that it becomes deeply enriching rather than gratuitously dark.

Ada's journey from a one-room apartment where her mother hid her away to the English countryside where she learns to ride, read, and trust is genuinely moving. The relationship between Ada and her reluctant guardian Susan develops slowly and authentically—no magical fixes, just two broken people learning to be a family.

The WWII setting is vivid and educational without being a history lesson. Kids will learn about the London Blitz, evacuation, class systems, and what life was like in 1940s England, but they'll be so caught up in Ada's story they won't realize they're learning.

This isn't light entertainment—it's literature. The kind of book that sticks with kids (and adults) for years. If your child is a strong reader who can handle mature emotional content, this is absolutely worth it. Just know going in that you'll both probably cry, and that's okay.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-13, particularly strong readers who can handle emotionally complex material. The abuse themes and war context require some maturity, but the book is written for middle-grade readers and handles difficult topics age-appropriately. Sensitive kids might want to wait until 10 or 11.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Models profound emotional growth, resilience, and the healing power of love and trust. Ada's journey from abuse to belonging is handled with sensitivity. The mother-daughter relationship with Susan develops authentically without sugar-coating trauma. Shows kindness, perseverance, and courage in the face of adversity. Some heavy themes (child abuse, war, disability discrimination) are present but age-appropriately portrayed.

Imaginative

82

While grounded in historical realism, the story sparks imagination through Ada's first experiences of the world—learning to ride a pony, exploring the countryside, discovering books. The WWII setting invites curiosity about history, spy-watching adds adventure elements, and Ada's determination to overcome her disability shows creative problem-solving. Less fantastical imagination, more real-world wonder and possibility.

Safe

72

Emotionally intense content includes child abuse (physical and emotional), neglect, war trauma, bombing descriptions, and deaths in battle. Ada's mother is cruel and abusive. However, these themes are handled thoughtfully for middle-grade readers without graphic detail. Parent reviews note the content is appropriate but heavy. Not a 'surprise' concern—the synopsis and reviews make it clear this deals with difficult topics. Books with serious themes can still be safe when age-appropriate, but parents should know what they're getting into.

Enriching

94

Exceptional educational and emotional value. Teaches about WWII history, evacuation of London children, class systems in 1940s England, and disability discrimination. Deeply explores themes of trauma recovery, found family, self-worth, literacy, and what it means to be loved. Multiple starred reviews call it 'powerful,' 'poignant,' and 'emotionally acute.' Newbery Honor winner. Builds empathy, resilience, and historical understanding. This is literature that sticks with readers.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Newbery Honor winner that's genuinely moving without being manipulative—multiple starred reviews and it's called one of the best middle grade books of the century
Teaches real history (London Blitz, evacuation, 1940s class systems) while telling a gripping story about resilience and found family
Ada is an unforgettable protagonist who learns to ride ponies, read, and trust people despite a lifetime of abuse—her growth feels earned
Handles disability representation thoughtfully—Ada's clubfoot is central to her story but doesn't define her
The kind of book kids remember years later; builds serious empathy and shows how love can heal trauma

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What to Watch For

Emotionally heavy—deals with child abuse (physical and emotional), neglect, war trauma, and death. Not graphic, but intense
Ada's mother is genuinely cruel; some kids may find these scenes upsetting even though Ada escapes early in the book
War context means discussion of bombing, death in battle, and family separation—appropriate for middle grade but not light reading
Best for kids who can handle complex emotions and mature themes; sensitive readers may need support or may want to wait

Conversation Starters

"Ada had never been outside before she escaped. What do you think it would feel like to see the sky or grass for the first time?"
"Why do you think Ada's mother treated her that way? How did Ada find the strength to leave?"
"Susan didn't want to take in evacuees at first. What changed for her? Have you ever been surprised by caring about someone you didn't expect to?"
"What does Ada learn about herself when she learns to ride the pony? Why is that important to her?"
"The book is called 'The War That Saved My Life.' In what ways did the war actually save Ada?"

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The War That Saved My Life