Epic Historical Fiction Book Club: *That War That Saved My Life*
How can a world war save a young girl and change her life forever?
Natalie Hines
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(129)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Ada is a ten year old girl with a physical disability and is an embarrassment to her mother. She has spent her life in a small apartment in London. This all changes when the realities of the war come to London. Discover what happens when Ada's little brother is sent away from London and how Ada's life changes forever.
Set during World War II, Ada's story is one of hardship and the overcoming of major challenges. Children and adults alike are pulled into Ada's world and are captivated by her circumstances and her will to live a fulfilled life.
While reading, we will be using Sign Posts to aid in deep comprehension and rich discussion. Students will be assigned chapters to read and Sign Posts to look for and record. Organizers will be provided to help students find and explain the Sign Posts embedded in the story.
***Learning to use Sign Posts will help students better understand what they are reading and enable them to identify story elements in any story! It is a research-based strategy that works wonders for kids (and adults!) of all ages and abilities.***
Week 1: Introductions and Background Information (setting / time period)
Pre reading: What was life like during WWII in London?
Sign Post Concentration: Contrasts and Contradictions (predictions and inferences)
Again and Again (foreshadowing, theme, conflict)
Assignment: Read Ch 1-11, Notice and Note Sign Posts
Week 2: Discuss Ch 1-11
Character Traits
Sign Post Concentration: Tough Questions (conflict)
Assignment: Read Ch 12-22, Notice and Note Sign Posts
Week 3: Discuss Ch 12-22
Physical Disabilities: Then and Now
Sign Post Concentration: Aha Moment (conflict, theme)
Assignment: Read Ch 23-33, Notice and Note Sign Posts
Week 4: Discuss Ch 23-33
WWII Spies
Introduce Sign Post: Words of the Wiser (theme)
Assignment: Read Ch 34-end, Notice and Note Sign Posts
Week 5: Discuss Ch 34-end
London Blitz: What Really Happened
Book Recommendations
What's next? Discussion
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Newbery Honor Book
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School)
Wall Street Journal Best Children's Books of 2015
New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and SharingOther Details
Parental Guidance
Parents may check out the book review on Common Sense Media, but please do not share with your kiddos. It contains spoilers! This story deals with topics including physical disabilities, abuse, and war. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-war-that-saved-my-life/user-reviews/adult
I highly recommend this book to everyone! I haven't met anyone who hasn't loved The War That Saved My Life. Read it along with your kiddo! It's an amazing story to discuss and share.
Supply List
Students will need a copy of The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley https://amzn.to/3fUvKlq Organizers will be provided during the course.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2017
4.8
129reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Indiana Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Natalie is an avid reader and has lead book clubs with her students for years. Historical books clubs have become a book club favorite! Not only do we enjoy the story, we get a glimpse into history and see how others lived and what they experience.Reviews
Live Group Class
$75
for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
55 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
6-9 learners per class
