The War That Saved My Life is a historical fiction novel set in England at the outbreak of World War II. However, there is another "war" that the protagonist, 10-year-old Ada Smith, faces: the battle to escape her abusive mother. Engage and educate students with Storyboard That premade activities!
The scene where Susan tries to give Ada a special present for Christmas is devastating and enlightens the reader about the insidious nature of the abuse that Mam inflicted on Ada her entire life. Ada does not feel worthy of love or kindness shown to her in any way and does not know how to receive Susan's loving handmade gift. Ada thinks, "I could listen to Susan say she never wanted children all day long. I couldn’t bear to hear her call me beautiful." All she has ever known from her Mam is cruelty. She has been made to feel ashamed of who she is and unworthy of love.
"I heard Mam’s voice shrieking in my head. “You ugly piece of rubbish! Filth and trash! No one wants you, with that ugly foot!”