I absolutely loved this historical fiction book and Ada and Jamie, two siblings who are sent out of London during the air raids of World War II. Nine-year-old Ada has a club foot and her mother has kept her a virtual prisoner her whole life. She has never gone to school and rarely left their apartment. But when her younger brother Jamie is scheduled to be sent to safety in the country, Ada doesn't hesitate to go with him. In a seaside village in Kent all the children are taken in by local families. Jamie and Ada, who are malnourished and dirty, are the last children chosen, and are practically forced on a single woman named Susan Smith. Although Susan says she has no idea how to take care of children, she knows that Ada needs a doctor, and crutches, and an education. Ada thrives in the country as she learns to ride a pony and makes her first friend. She and Jamie are wary of embracing their new life, though, because they know they could be returned to their mother at any time. This is a story of healing and survival, set during a fascinating time in British history. Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school readers.
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