SYNOPSIS

When Ada, 10 and unable to walk due to a neglected club foot, finds out that London’s children are getting evacuated to the countryside to avoid bombings during WWII, she resolves to join with her younger brother.

She will escape her cruel Mam who has never allowed Ada outside of the house, and she will crawl part of the way.

It will take time to accept a stranger’s reluctant hospitality and adjust to “normal” life.

Ada will discover a talent with animals, a growing fondness for her caretaker Susan, and a gradual acceptance of her physical and emotional challenges.

And when Mam attempts to take the children back, Susan will save Ada and Jamie’s life once more and they – hers.

Together, they will discover the true meaning of family.

PERFECT AGE 10-14

We love

• Beautiful, rich and complex characters who all teach us so much about empathy, humanity and patience.
• The elegant description of disability from the perspective of a child who learns to cope with it and carefully observes her “big” feelings and outbursts.
• Susan Smith’s courageous transitions from a depressed Oxford educated recluse mourning the loss of her love, Maggie, to a compassionate, brave and much needed mother of two.
• The gradual conclusion the book leads us to – that “family” can be something you make and work for, not just someone you’re born to.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Ada often says that Susan is not “real”. What could she mean? What might she fear?
• Why do you think Ada wanted to help the wounded soldiers? What did you learn about her from that story?
• Do you have any guesses why Ada refused to learn to read and write?
• What are some ways you have thought about showing love and care to people around you?