Ten year old Ada lives with her mother and younger brother, Jamie, in a one room apartment in London during World War II. Ada is not allowed to leave the apartment because of her club foot...even to use the bathroom. Because of the threat of the advancing Nazi front, many children, including Jamie, are being sent to the country where they will be safe. Ada decides to sneak out of the apartment and join him. Thus begins an adventure that will change their lives forever.
After arriving in the country, Ada and Jamie are the last children to be taken in. They are placed with Susan Smith, who reluctantly takes them home. Over time, and often showing extreme patience, Susan accepts the children. She grows to love them, and they return the sentiment. Together, they create a life none of them could have imagined.
I was amazed to learn how much the children didn’t know. They didn’t even know their birthdates! I enjoyed reading this book because it presents a story about WWII that is from the perspective of civilians living in England. This is not a perspective that is often written about, especially for middle grades, and I greatly enjoyed reading this book.
