The War I Finally Won, written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Dial Books for Young Readers, Random House. 2017. $22.99 ages 12 and up

"On Christmas Eve, at night, we went to church, the way we'd planned the year before. I didn't have a fancy dress. Susan couldn't make me one this year, not without a sewing machine, and the dresses she'd bought me while I was in hospital were ordinary. So that was good. Susan insisted on tying a ribbon in my hair. When she wasn't looking I pulled it out."

If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading The War That Saved My Life (2015), please find a copy and read it before you settle in to read this sequel. It makes for time well spent, and will encourage you to share these remarkable stories with your family, or in any middle grade classroom.


The events of that first story will be fresh in your mind when you begin this second book. Ada is awaiting surgery to fix her foot. Its success allows the enjoyment of many new adventures. For the first time since her birth, Ada can walk, even run, and experiences little pain. That joy is dashed with news that her mother has been killed in London during an air raid. Susan, who has been caring for Ada and her brother, Jamie, since the children were sent to a safe place away from the constant bombing, is made their legal guardian.

Ada's life, at the hands of an abusive mother, has caused indescribable pain and a strong sense of distrust. She is never sure that she will be safe again. The continuing war and the difficulties it generates do nothing to allay her many fears. The worry for all involved is apparent.

Ada loves her horse, her new family, and her friendship with Maggie. She tolerates Maggie's rigid and opinionated mother. She is appalled when Ruth, a Jewish German refugee, comes to live with them so that she might study mathematics with Susan. It takes a long while before she realizes that Ruth is not a threat to anyone living in their house, and eventually they become supportive friends. Life is a struggle for Ada, but we watch as she heals and grows into a considerate, brave and fine young woman.

Ada's voice is extraordinary. She ably describes the setting, the people, the fears; all with frankness and humor. There is so much she didn't learn while never being allowed out of the apartment she shared with her mother and brother. She knows little about real love, the idea that not all people are equal or believe the same things, what the world is like beyond their neighborhood. It is quite the learning curve for her. Every character in this fine book experiences their own moments of grief and misunderstanding. While there is always sorrow for the lives lost and the circumstance of war, there is also a sense of hope for better times ahead.