Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room flat. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Miss Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take in the two children. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley has written several historical novels for children and young adults, including the bestselling Newbery Honor Book The War that Saved My Life. She lives on a farm in Tennessee with her husband and two young children.
‘Achingly lovely…Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada’s stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories.’ Wall Street Journal
‘Ada’s voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity… Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally. Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada’s personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.’ Kirkus, starred review
‘Proving that her courage and compassion carry far more power than her disability, Ada earns self-respect, emerges a hero, and learns the meaning of home.’ Publishers Weekly, starred review
‘Bradley presents this episode in Britain’s history in a form that young readers will appreciate, learn from and enjoy: a moral tale wrapped up in an adventure story…A moving and uplifting read.’ BookMooch
‘A beautifully written and very moving book, bound to be an instant classic…A beautiful story of hope and family.’ Booktopia
‘Heartwarming…A delightful WWII story with a totally winning protagonist.’ Paper Fury
‘Comforting in its familiarity…Ada's voice is honest and authentic and true…It's a lovely little novel to curl up with on a rainy day, that took me back to the novels I read and loved as a child.’ Steph Bowe
‘Ada’s transformation from an angry young woman into a confident lady is imaginatively drawn.’ Australian Women’s Weekly
‘A moving and captivating story.’ Best Middle Fiction Books of 2016, Readings
