Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Lexile Level: 500
Interest Level: Grades 6-8
Book Summary: Ada has never left the London flat where she lives with her mother and brother, Jamie. Ada is not allowed to leave; her abusive mother doesn't want anyone to see her "crippled" daughter. In the summer of 1939, when World War II could begin at any second, parents are sending their kids to the English countryside to escape the impending bombing of city. Jamie is going, but Ada's mother, Mam, refuses to let Ada go. "They're sending kids to live with nice people. Who'd want you? Nobody, that's who. Nice people don't want to look at that foot," says her mother. Ada's will is stronger than her disability and on the morning her brother is to leave, she sneaks out early with him, boards the train and rides off into a new life. Things are better with Susan, their reluctant guardian, but even though Ada has escaped her mother, she can't escape the trauma of her past.
Book Review: Bradley weaves fascinating historical facts into an already engaging story of an abused girl who shows herself and the world that she is as valuable as any "normal person." Readers will find Ada relatable and inspiring. Though some of the details of Ada's life with her "mam" are disturbing, the author moves passed the rough subjects quickly and appropriately.
Awards and Recognitions:
Newberry Honor Book
Sunshine State Young Readers Award 2017-2018
Profanity:
Slut
Hell (written in dialect as "'ell")
Potentially Inappropriate References:
None
Potentially Inappropriate Behaviors:
Mam slaps Ada
Mam locks Ada in a cupboard
Ada ties up Jamie briefly, but immediately feels sorry.
Mam is emotionally, verbally, and physically abusive.
A teacher ties Jamie's left hand to his chair (he's left handed and the teacher insists he write with his right hand).
Parental Concern: 2 out of 5
