The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

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.   

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

I read this book in one sitting on a rainy day.  I can’t tell you the last time that has happened.  That’s how good this book is.  

Here are the seven most important things about this book.

1. This book is set in 1963-1964 in Washington, D.C.  This makes it historical fiction, however, this story absolutely could happen in 2016.

2. The story starts with Arthur Owens, 12, being sent to Juvenile Detention after assaulting the “Junk Man.”  

3. This is a story about redemption and forgiveness.  The “Junk Man”, Mr. James Hampton, asks the judge to sentence  Arthur to work for him for 120 hours instead of being sent to Juvenile Detention Home for “an exceedingly long time.”  Arthur is tasked with collecting the seven most important things:  light bulbs, foil, mirrors, pieces of wood, glass bottles, coffee cans, and cardboard.

4. This is a story about seeing things not for what they are, but for what they can be.  Mr.s Hampton sees what is possible.  While people in the neighborhood think Mr. Hampton is collecting trash and junk, he sees parts of a glorious project he is working on.  While others see Mr. Hampton pushing around a rusty grocery cart, he sees a chariot.  While some think Arthur is a dangerous juvenile delinquent, he sees a boy who can help him.  As Mr. Hampton says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

5. The characters in this story are dynamic.  Arthur, Mr. Hampton, Judge Warner, Groovy Jim, Officer Billie, vice principal Mr. Barber, Squeak, and Arthur’s mother and his sister, Barbara all contribute to this story in amazing ways.  

6. This story is based on a true story.  Mr. James Hampton was a real person.  There is a fantastic explanation in the Author’s Note at the end of the book.  Challenge yourself to read it after you finish the book.

7. The St. James List of the Seven Most Important Things actually lead Arthur to the most important things in his life.  That’s what makes this book so brilliant.  

Do yourself a favor and read this book today!

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

This is a book everyone can, and will, enjoy.  The story will stay with you for a long time.  It’s a perfect read aloud for upper elementary and middle school students.  

The story begins as twelve year old Peter and his father drive out to the woods with Peter’s beloved pet fox, Pax.  Peter’s father is about to enlist in the war, and Peter will have to go live with his grandfather.  Pax cannot go with Peter.  Peter throws Pax’s favorite toy into the woods, and as Pax goes to retrieve it, Peter and his father drive away.  

At first confused, Pax is determined to find Peter, “his boy.”  Peter tries to accept life with his grandfather, but ultimately runs away to search for Pax.  Pax meets a young fox, Bristle, and her brother Runt, who help him on his journey.  Peter is taken in by Vola, a fiercely independent woman who lives on her own in the woods.  Vola helps Peter cope with the death of his mother, and Peter helps Vola deal with her feelings about her role in a previous war.  Peter, Vola, and Pax end up finding strength they didn’t know they had.  

This story of friendship, loyalty, determination, grief, independence, grit, family, and acceptance

is told from Peter and Pax’s perspectives in alternating chapters.  

The end may break your heart, but it works for the story.  After all, sometimes the apple rolls very far from the tree.