Historical Fiction Book Review

I normally do not go toward historical fiction when I am looking for a new book, but I am SO glad that this book was selected by my professor. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is such a captivating story that I would recommend to everyone!

This story is a coming of age story that takes place during World War II in England. I love a good coming of age story and I instantly fell in love with the main character, Ada. Ada is crippled with a clubfoot and lives locked up in her house. She’s a prisoner in her own home surrounded by her younger brother Jamie and abusive mother who doesn’t even allow her to walk. Her mother is ashamed of her and has kept her locked inside her entire life. When she learns about the chance to join the other children and evacuate to the country, she jumps on the opportunity. She manages to escape her environment with her brother when they joined other London children who are all being evacuated to the countryside. Jamie and Ada are taken in by Susan Smith, a single woman who really didn’t want to take care of them but proved to be far better than their prior circumstances. Under Susan’s care, the siblings grow and change so much, particularly Ada. Ada is a dynamic character who you just can’t help but root for. She goes through a long journey of self-acceptance and realization that the things that have happened in her life are not her fault. This war within herself is happening all while a real war is happening outside. The whole time you are just rooting for a happy ending and you definitely get that with this story. This is a story about love – loving yourself and each other.

The historical fiction picture book I chose is The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheax Nelson. This story is about a one of a kind bookstore that Lewis Michaux Jr.’s father opened after his “itch” for books. This bookstore, the National Memorial African Bookstore, was the first African American bookstore in Harlem that was more than just a place for books. It was a place for the community to gather, learn, and be a voice for change.

You can feel the pride that his son has for him and his passion for the bookstore. Lewis Michaux believed in his culture and would not stand for hate even when he was denied funding because “black people didn’t need books.” The rhythm in this book makes it such a smooth read. There’s something about the crisp, short sentences that makes you really feel the voice of the writer. The illustrations are also breathtaking and I felt like I was right there in Harlem during the time period, fighting for equal rights and change right along with them.

This story makes for a great read aloud for any grade level and I can’t wait to share it with my students!