It would be difficult to distill the experiences of a generation of English children who lived through World War II into a single volume, let alone a children's book. The War That Saved My Life, which was published in 2015, does just that. It tells the story of violence and suffering in a way that is accessible to children, which is the book's target audience.
Specifically, The War That Saved My Life follows Ada Smith, a young girl who has never been able to leave her apartment because of her disability and her overbearing parents. When the British authorities instruct parents in cities like London to send their children to the countryside for their safety, Ada's mother refuses, hoping that she can still control her young daughter. Eventually, Ada's mother acquiesces and Ada is sent to the countryside to live with an initially less-than-welcoming family. Over time, Ada learns to love her new family and starts to go on adventures with them across Europe—including Dunkirk, where she aids in the evacuation of people there.
Author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's book was critically lauded upon its release. Audiences and critics adored the book for its simple, yet relatable, story of overcoming hardship and finding adventure in a life otherwise bereft of it. Not only that, Bradley's novel became an overnight sensation and bestseller. It won the accolades of many prestigious publications, including Kirkus Reviews, which awarded the book five stars out of a possible five stars and said that "Ada’s fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration."
