Summary (from Goodreads):
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. 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 of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. 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?
My Review:
I couldn't put this book down. It packs so much into the story - childhood abuse and neglect, along with the emotional and psychological ramifications of mistreatment, disability and the stigma of being born different, and starting life over in a new place. This book is heart-wrenching at times, and heart-warming at others. Ada's experience with war - her own personal war, not just the external situation of WWII - is vivid and understandable for readers. This would be an excellent readaloud book, or it could be a good small group study, especially in conjunction with a unit on World War II. Students may find the context confusing if they lack the background in the history of the war, but they should find Ada a relatable and recognizable reluctant heroine.
