At a glance
The War That Saved My Life
Middle grade historical fiction
The War That Saved My Life
Nine-year-old Ada has never been allowed outside because her abusive mother is ashamed of her clubfoot. When London children are evacuated ahead of wartime bombing, Ada secretly escapes with her younger brother and is placed with Susan Smith in the Kent countryside. Learning to ride a pony and make choices awakens Ada’s competence, but safety cannot immediately undo years of fear or guarantee that the children will be allowed to stay. Honest, painful, and deeply hopeful, this middle-grade historical novel suits readers seeking wartime courage, disability representation, and a found-family story in which healing is gradual rather than easy.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Kent Countryside Tea + Blackberry Old Fashioned
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Severe child abuse · War bombing · Death · Disability stigma · Animal injury
Alcohol-Free Pour
Kent Countryside Tea
Steady comfort after the sirens stop.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea, stir in honey, and add the apple slices for a gentle fruit note.
- Garnish: Apple slice.
- Glassware: Mug.
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Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Blackberry Old Fashioned
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Blackberry adds a lush fruit note to a bourbon Old Fashioned, with bitters keeping it sharp.
What you'll need
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/4 oz blackberry syrup ↗
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Ice
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Stir bourbon, blackberry syrup, and bitters with ice for 20 seconds. Strain over one large ice cube.
- Garnish: Fresh blackberry and orange peel.
- Glassware: Rocks glass.
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Rocks glass ↗Set up the bar cart
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