The War That Saved My Life

Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. Her clubfoot (Chapter 1)

2. The countryside (Chapter 2)

3. A pony (Chapter 6)

Short Answer

1. Mam physically and verbally abuses Ada; she feels as though Ada should be hidden away because she is ashamed of her clubfoot. Mam also blames Ada for things that are beyond her control. For example, Jamie steals food for Ada, but Mam blames Ada rather than Jamie, choosing to lock her in a small cabinet under the sink overnight. (Various chapters)

2. Ada blames herself for having a clubfoot, and as a result, she also feels responsible for Mam’s verbal and physical abuse. Out of guilt for her physical disability, she teaches herself to walk. When Stephen says it is “crazy” she has been kept in her home because of her foot, Ada still reasons that she is at fault. (Chapter 3)

3. Ada realizes she and Jamie are not as clean and well-kept as the other children: she describes herself as having a pale complexion with dirt and calluses on her knees, as well as grubby clothing. She also observes that Jamie is “dirtier than the other boys” their age. (Chapter 5)

Chapters 8-13

Reading Check

1. In London (Chapter 10)

2. Billy White (Chapter 11)

3. Ride Butter (Chapter 12)

Short Answer

1. Dr. Graham tells Susan that Ada and Jamie are both malnourished, and that Ada has developed early symptoms of rickets. After examining her foot, he determines that Ada’s clubfoot could have been corrected at birth. While there is still a possibility that the clubfoot could be fixed, Susan must write Mam to get permission for the surgery. In the meantime, the doctor gives Ada crutches so it easier for her to walk. These revelations from the doctor indicate that Mam is neglectful of her children. (Chapter 8)

2. Susan is reluctant to take Ada and Jamie in for two reasons: 1) She explains to Ada that since her best friend and roommate Becky died of pneumonia three years earlier, she has been unable to sleep well, and 2) Earlier in the novel, Susan said she did not know how to care for children. (Various chapters)

Chapters 14-19

Reading Check

1. The Swiss Family Robinson (Chapter 14)

2. Margaret Thornton (Chapter 15)

Short Answer

1. Ada has lied several times, which makes it difficult for Susan to believe what she says. For example, Ada told Susan her last name was Hitler when they first met. Susan explains that lying is acceptable if it is done to keep someone safe, but “liars tell lies […] to make themselves look better.” (Chapter 16)

2. Jamie’s behavior has changed drastically since leaving his home in London: he wets the bed, has frequent tantrums, and does not want to attend school. When Susan discovers welts on Jamie’s wrists, she learns the teacher has been tying Jamie’s left hand to a chair to force him to write with his right hand. (Chapter 18)

Chapters 20-25

Reading Check

1. A paper airplane (Chapter 20)

2. Sew (Chapter 24)

Short Answer

1. Grimes tells Ada that Butter is unable to run because she needs her hoofs trimmed, and he explains that a horse needs something more than grass to be properly nourished. Ada is angry with Susan for her unintentional neglect, possibly making a connection between Butter’s affliction and her own foot. (Chapters 21-22)

2. When Ada breaks Susan’s sewing machine, she hides under the bed because she is afraid Susan will send her home. When Susan finds out, she assures Ada that she will not send her home, and she offers to teach her how to use the sewing machine. (Chapter 25)

Chapters 26-31

Reading Check

1. Margaret (Chapter 26)

2. Mam (Chapter 28)

3. Alice in Wonderland (Chapter 31)

Short Answer

1. Susan is too busy to feel sad about winter because of her volunteer work with the war effort. To keep Susan from staying in bed all day, Ada asks her to teach her how to read, something Ada previously refused to do. (Chapter 28)

2. Susan crafts various Christmas gifts for Ada, including riding gloves, house shoes, and a green velvet dress. Ada does not trust Susan enough to accept her gifts. She also indicates that she feels unworthy of the green velvet dress, which probably stems from Mam’s abuse and Ada’s own insistence that she is not beautiful. The gifts overwhelm Ada, causing her to throw a tantrum. (Various chapters)

Chapters 32-39

Reading Check

1. Rationing (Chapter 32)

2. The Battle of Britain (Chapter 39)

Short Answer

1. Susan wants to protect Ada and Jamie from the threat of attack but worries they could be separated if she sends them away. She also knows that Ada can be difficult and is concerned that she may be placed in the home of someone who doesn’t understand her. (Chapter 37)

2. It is difficult for Ada to stay in the bomb shelter because it reminds her of the roach-infested cupboard Mam locked her in. When Ada begins to have a panic attack, Susan wraps her in a blanket and hangs herbs in the shelter so it does not smell like damp earth. (Chapter 38)

Chapters 40-46

Reading Check

1. Her shoes and crutches (Chapter 43)

2. Susan (Chapter 45)

Short Answer

1. Ada refuses to stay with Susan because she is afraid the police will not have a reason to return Jamie, even though they would have a good reason to return Ada. Ada, though she wants to stay with Susan, refuses to leave her brother alone with Mam. (Chapter 41)

2. When Mam sees Ada riding a pony, she is angered by Ada’s good health and clean clothing. Mam believes Ada thinks she is superior to her mother. When Mam brings the children back to London, she takes Ada’s crutches and shoes so she is unable to walk efficiently. Mam tells Jamie and Ada she never wanted children and is determined not to allow them to live happy, successful lives. (Various chapters)