Begin with Ada's escape
Start with The War That Saved My Life before continuing to The War I Finally Won.
Book Series · 2 Books
The War That Saved My Life Books
In order from The War That Saved My Life to The War I Finally Won.
Ada escapes an abusive London home during the World War II evacuation and slowly discovers safety, capability, and chosen family in the countryside. The sequel continues her recovery as the war intensifies and new losses challenge the freedom she has fought to claim.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read The War That Saved My Life
Read The War That Saved My Life before The War I Finally Won. The second novel continues Ada's story directly, carrying forward her relationships, trauma, and the unfolding events of World War II.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Both books address child abuse, disability stigma, wartime bombing, death, grief, and displacement. Ada's healing is hopeful but gradual, and painful events have lasting consequences; sensitive readers may benefit from an adult available to discuss them.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
The sequel assumes readers understand Ada's escape, new home, and hard-won trust.
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$958
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015
The War That Saved My Life
A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.
316 pages· 62,299 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: During World War II, ten-year-old Ada escapes her abusive mother to join her brother in the countryside. Taken in by Susan, Ada discovers new freedoms, learning to ride a pony and read. As she watches for German spies, Ada's bond with Susan grows. But will this newfound family withstand the war's challenges, or will Ada be forced back into her mother's grasp? A tale of resilience and hope unfolds as Ada fights for a life beyond her one-room prison.
In reading order
The War That Saved My Life Series
2 books · Published 2015–2017
#1
Sale price
$958
The War That Saved My Life
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015
A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.
#2
Sale price
$958
The War I Finally Won
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017
Amidst war, Ada faces new challenges and questions of trust and identity.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the War That Saved My Life series?
There are 2 books in the War That Saved My Life series. It began with The War That Saved My Life in 2015, and the newest book, The War I Finally Won, was published in 2017.
What order should you read the War That Saved My Life books in?
Start with The War That Saved My Life and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #2.
What ages are the War That Saved My Life books best for?
The series is best for ages 8–12, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which War That Saved My Life book is the longest?
The War I Finally Won (Book #2) is the longest book in the series at 67,192 words (416 pages).
Which War That Saved My Life book is the shortest?
The War That Saved My Life (Book #1) is the shortest at 62,299 words (316 pages).
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring The War That Saved My Life to life.
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