What This Book Is About
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment in London. Born with a clubfoot, she has been hidden away by her cruel mother, who considers her a disgrace. Ada has never been to school, never had a friend, and has spent her entire life watching the world through a single window. But when World War II breaks out and children are evacuated from the city, Ada secretly slips out with her younger brother Jamie, and for the first time in her life, she is free.
Ada and Jamie are taken in by Susan Smith, a grieving woman in the English countryside who doesn't want them any more than their mother did. Yet slowly, something extraordinary happens. Ada learns to ride a pony, teaches herself to read, and even helps spot German spies along the coast. As she discovers courage she never knew she had, Ada must decide whether to trust the fragile new life she is building—or whether it will all be ripped away when the war ends. A Newbery Honor book, this is a story about finding your voice and your worth in the most unlikely of places.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
This novel aligns perfectly with UWC's emphasis on empathy, resilience, and personal growth. Ada's journey from isolation and abuse to self-discovery mirrors the kinds of emotional challenges many students face when transitioning between schools, cultures, or countries. It teaches readers that disability does not define a person, and that love can come from unexpected places—values central to UWC's inclusive community.
For B1-level readers, the book's first-person voice is direct and emotionally honest, making the language accessible while the themes remain rich enough for deep classroom discussion. The World War II setting also connects to international school history curricula, giving students a child's-eye view of the British home front that textbooks rarely capture.
Reading Level Guide
A stretch at A2 despite the lower Lexile. The emotional depth and historical context require stronger comprehension. Try The Wild Robot first.
Perfect difficulty. The accessible first-person voice lets you connect emotionally while building vocabulary.
A comfortable read at B2. Consider the sequel, The War I Finally Won, for continuation.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.