The War I Finally Won

The War I Finally Won continues Ada Smith's story from The War That Saved My Life, following her life in the English countryside during World War II. After her foot surgery, Ada must navigate her new physical capabilities while adjusting to life with her guardian Susan in their cottage near a military base. The war intensifies around them as they take in Ruth, a German-Jewish teenager who becomes part of their unconventional household. Ada learns to ride horses, helps with the war effort, and encounters both prejudice and friendship in her small village. Life during wartime brings rationing, air raids, and constant uncertainty about loved ones serving in the military. Ada works to understand complex relationships, trust, and her own self-worth while contributing to the home front efforts. This middle-grade historical novel explores themes of family bonds, resilience, and personal growth against the backdrop of World War II. The story demonstrates how healing and strength can emerge from difficult circumstances.

Readers found this World War II sequel emotionally impactful and praised the character development of Ada, who matures through grief, trauma, and new relationships. Many noted the book stands well on its own despite being a sequel. Readers liked: - Historical details about wartime Britain - Complex handling of prejudice and class differences - Math and science elements woven into the story - Authentic portrayal of physical disability - Strong female characters Readers disliked: - Slower pace compared to the first book - Less action/adventure than The War That Saved Me - Some found the ending abrupt Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (31,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Made me cry but in a good way" One critical review noted: "The emotional weight becomes heavy at times for middle-grade readers" Barnes & Noble readers rated it 4.8/5 with particular praise for its educational value about WWII.

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Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse Through letters to her cousin, a twelve-year-old Jewish girl chronicles her family's flight from Russia in 1919 and her own experiences at Ellis Island.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk A girl in rural Pennsylvania during World War II stands up for a reclusive veteran when he is falsely accused by the town's newest resident.

Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch A Ukrainian girl is forced to work in a Nazi bomb factory after being taken from her home during World War II.

🌟 During WWII, over 3.5 million British children were evacuated from cities to rural areas through Operation Pied Piper, similar to Ada's journey in the book. 📚 The War I Finally Won is the sequel to The War That Saved My Life, which won a Newbery Honor in 2016. 🏥 The surgeries described in the book for Ada's clubfoot were common in the 1940s, though medical treatment has significantly advanced since then. 🎯 Author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley spent over two years researching WWII Britain, including details about rationing, air raids, and daily life on the home front. 🐎 Before writing historical fiction, Bradley worked as a horse trainer and wrote several books about horses, which helped inform her portrayal of Ada's connection with horses in both books.