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What Members Thought

This was a page turner almost from the start. And it ticks so many of my boxes: Heartwarming, historical, engaging, there is a cat character, there is a much older character interacting with a younger one. So much to love here.
Yes, it is WWII fiction, so you have to expect some grueling bits but since this is a middle grade book, it never goes too far. There is a character in here I wondered a little about at first in that I couldn't believe anyone could be so mean but the reality is that this ...more
Yes, it is WWII fiction, so you have to expect some grueling bits but since this is a middle grade book, it never goes too far. There is a character in here I wondered a little about at first in that I couldn't believe anyone could be so mean but the reality is that this ...more

This is a beautiful and inspiring story about a young girl, Ada, who grew up in London in the 1930s. Her mother was embarrassed by her daughter’s club foot and never let her leave the house. Her younger brother Jamie was going to be evacuated to the countryside during WWII. Ada and Jamie experience freedom and love for the first time by their caretaker. There is also the backdrop of the war and other sun plots, but Ada’s determination and the life she enjoys in the country are inspiring. 5 stars
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I read this book for the second time with child #2 and enjoyed it just as much as the first time. The 13-year old and I give it 2 thumbs up. Looking forward to finally reading the sequel -- The I Finally Won --for the first time.
2016 review:
I can see why this book has won so many awards, including a 2016 Newbery Honor. It's an excellent read aloud and deserves a spot on all middle school/high school suggested reading lists. ...more
2016 review:
I can see why this book has won so many awards, including a 2016 Newbery Honor. It's an excellent read aloud and deserves a spot on all middle school/high school suggested reading lists. ...more

Jun 16, 2016
Angie
marked it as to-read

Jul 20, 2016
Lisa of Hopewell
marked it as to-read

Mar 27, 2017
Ginger
rated it
it was amazing
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review of another edition
Shelves:
kidlit-middle-ya,
mmd-reading-club

Sep 05, 2017
Teale
marked it as to-read


Jul 19, 2020
Rebekah
marked it as to-read

Oct 08, 2022
Kristen
marked it as n-a-books-have