November Grades 5-6 Book Club: The War I Finally Won

 

For November's Book Club, we read the book The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Cooper, Dylan, Mark, Rileigh, and Sarah were present. This is what we discussed!

In chapter 1, Ada tells the reader “You can know things all you like, but that doesn’t mean you believe them.” (pp. 1) What do you think this phrase might mean?

 

“Eleven years into the war between the rest of the world and me.” (pp. 2) The rest of the world is at war with each other but Ada is at war with the rest of the world. Why is Ada at war with the world? Why does she have a negative relationship with the world?

 

“Lady Thorton could upset just about anyone. When I’d first met her, before I knew her name, I called her the iron-faced woman. She was sharp like an ax.” (pp. 5) How are Ada’s initial judgments of Lady Thorton proven wrong?

 

“I would have to think hard to find any good memories.” (pp. 26) In the early chapters of the novel, Ada is reflecting on the end of her relationship with her mother. Based on Ada’s emotions and reflections, what kind of relationship did Ada have with her mother?

 

“I sat in front of the fire and practiced breathing, in and out, to keep myself calm.” (pp. 75) Ada struggles throughout the story with her emotions. In what ways does she learn to manage her emotions?

 

“It made me feel calmer that the food was so bad.” (pp. 85) Christmas is a difficult time for Ada. Why does she find it difficult to enjoy nice things?

“I needed a doll a long time ago,” I said. “It’s too late for me to have one now.”’ (pp. 93) What purpose do dolls have in a child’s life? Why is it too late for Ada to have a doll? What might the doll symbolize?

 

“Oban had a grace and elegance Butter could never touch. It was like the difference between the Honorable Margaret Thorton and me.” (pp. 101) Is it important to consider the personalities of the horses and ponies in the book? How do the personalities of the horses reflect the personalities of the humans in the book?

 

“Education is a luxury in war-time. Jonathan left Oxford to fight. I do not see why this girl’s education should be ahead of his.” (pp. 127) Do you agree with Lady Thorton? Should Ruth still be entitled to an education when Jonathan and other men are away fighting in war?

 

“I’ll tell the boys at the airfield about you. You’ll give them courage, you will.” (pp. 235) Why does Ada’s story inspire Jonathan?

 

“I don’t think I’d better share the details. But I can say that we’re learning things about Hitler, and what he’s doing in Europe, to capture civilians and even to his own countrymen, that make this war seem extremely necessary. More than necessary. Right.” (pp. 375) Using the appendix to guide you, what job with the army did Lord Thorton do at Bletchley Park during the war?

 

“Ruth needs horses the way I needed horses.” (pp. 281) Why do Ruth and Ada need horses? What effect does horse-riding have on the girls?

 

“So your mother was a monster. It doesn’t mean mine is. It doesn’t mean Lady Thorton is.” Ruth prodded me with her foot. “People are complicated. You, yourself, are not the easiest person to love. But you are still my sister.” (pp. 316) How does Ada’s relationship with her birth mother impact the way she views other maternal figures in her life?

 

Why does Ada travel back to her old home at Elsa Street with Lady Thorton? Why is it significant that she visits her old home? What does this communicate to the reader about her physical and emotional journey?

In the novel, Ada has a fascination with learning new words and their definitions. She becomes quite upset when Jamie begins to call Susan ‘Mum’ despite at the end of the novel, Ada also calls Susan ‘Mum’. How do you think Ada’s personal definition of a ‘Mum’ changes over the course of the novel?

 

Can Mam ever be forgiven for her treatment of Ada and Jamie? Like Ada and Jamie, is she too a victim of her circumstances?

“You’re eleven years old,” Susan said. “You get to be the child now, Ada, for once in your life. I will be the adult.”’ (pp. 92) What are the roles and responsibilities of children and adults? Should there be different expectations for different age types? Or should expectations be leveled with a person’s maturity and experience? 

Rank this book from 1-5.

-Two 4.5

-5

Our next Book Club will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 3:00 p.m. We will be meeting via Zoom. 24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling.

"Welcome to Nowhere, Arizona, the least livable town in the United States. For Gus, a bright 13-year-old with dreams of getting out and going to college, life there is made even worse by Bo Taylor, Nowhere's biggest, baddest bully. When Bo tries to force Gus to eat a dangerously spiny cactus, Rossi Scott, one of the best racers in Nowhere, comes to his rescue--but in return she has to give Bo her prized dirt bike. Determined to buy it back, Gus agrees to go searching for gold in Dead Frenchman Mine, joined by his old friends Jessie Navarro and Matthew Dufort, and Rossi herself. As they hunt for treasure, narrowly surviving everything from cave-ins to mountain lions, they bond over shared stories of how hard life in Nowhere is--and they realize this adventure just may be their way out."

Please be sure to pick up your copy of the book and register at the Circulation Desk so that Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom link and password the day of Book Club!