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The War I Finally Won  By  cover art

The War I Finally Won

By: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle
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Publisher's summary

Like the classic heroines of Sarah, Plain and Tall and Little Women, Ada conquers the home front as her World War II journey continues in this sequel to the Newbery Honor-winning The War That Saved My Life.

When Ada's clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she's not what her mother said she was - damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. She's not a daughter anymore, either. What is she?

World War II continues, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, are living with their loving legal guardian, Susan, in a borrowed cottage on the estate of the formidable Lady Thorton - along with Lady Thorton herself and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded cottage is tense enough, and then, quite suddenly, Ruth, a Jewish girl from Germany, moves in. A German? The occupants of the house are horrified. But other impacts of the war become far more frightening. As death creeps closer to their door, life and morality during wartime grow more complex. Who is Ada now? How can she keep fighting? And who will she struggle to save?

Ada's first story, The War That Saved My Life, won a Newbery Honor, the Schneider Family Book Award, and the Josette Frank Award in addition to appearing on multiple best-of-the-year lists. This second marvelous volume continues Ada's powerful, uplifting story.

©2017 Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (P)2017 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"The poignancy of the story is stunning, as are the author’s wit and eloquence. [Narrator Jayne] Entwistle captures both." (AudioFile)

Stunning.... By turns tough and tender, this novel leavens complex themes with moments of wonder and joy." (The Washington Post)

"Rarely is a children’s book so honest...[and] daring. But there is comfort too, in Ada’s desire to love and grow.... The power of this book is that it describes, slowly and sometimes painfully, that it is possible not just to live through pain, but to live with it.” (The New York Times)

What listeners say about The War I Finally Won

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wonderful!

Loved this wonderful book and the one that preceded it. It is wonderfully narrated and a beautiful story. My 10 and 12 year old boys enjoyed it.

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Amazing read!

I loved it and highly recommend it along with the first ‘The War That Saved My Life’. As an adult I started it to recommend to my 4th grade students but I have found it so worthy that I have decided I will read it aloud to the class. I’m so excited!

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Beautiful story with a wonderful performance!

I've listened to both books in this series & I believe I've found a new favorite author! My 12 yr old daughter has also enjoyed listening to both books, the first being assigned for a reading competition at school. The performance of the reading was marvelous! I honestly can't imagine reading this book without the distinct voices & accents of each character. I cried at more than one point in the story because these characters has become dear friends & my heart broke for the challenges they faced & soared for their triumphs!

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Not just for kids

Adult here! This book was beautifully written, inspiring, touching, and I cannot recommend it enough.

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WWII and Ada's War for Children and Adults

I loved this book and the one that preceded it--wonderful story and great audible experience. The author's ability to describe a child's PTSD was truly remarkable!

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So glad there was a sequel! Great books!

My 9-year old and I loved these two super well-written books and the performance is top notch!

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Amazing

I didn’t imagine that THE WAR I FINALLY WON could be as good as its predecessor THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE. But it is just as wonderful and moving. Ada’s voice is especially strong in this series and Jayne Entwistle brings her and the entire cast to vivid life. Don’t miss this series.

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Every Bit As Enticing As It's Predecessor

SUCH a good listen. The same narration and even better this time with such varied dialects. Excellent story that keeps you wanting to not turn it off.

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Continue Ada’s story!

Happy to see Ada’s story continued in this wonderful story! I wasn’t ready to let her go! She has so much more to learn, and as the reader you learn also. The narrator does a fantastic job with all of the characters!!

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Wonderful book!

This was wonderfully written inter weaving history into the fictional story.
I didn’t want it to end.

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