The War That Saved My Life

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. Which one of Ada’s features causes her mother to be ashamed of her?

2. Where are the other children evacuated to after the war approaches London?

3. What does Ada see that changes her mind about staying with Susan Smith?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Mam treat Ada? What evidence from the novel supports your assessment of Mam’s behavior?

2. What interactions between Ada and others provide insight into how Ada feels about her disability?

3. Why might Ada and Jamie be the last ones selected by a village family in the country?

Paired Resource

“The Evacuated Children of the Second World War”

• This article explains why and how children in Britain were evacuated during World War II.
• Shared themes include Identity and Social Acceptance and Abuse Versus Neglect.
• Why were women and children evacuated from London during World War II? What events caused parents to be more receptive to sending their children away? What was the role of volunteer workers in aiding the evacuation?

Chapters 8-13

Reading Check

1. Ada enjoys her time in the country, but Jamie does not. Where would he rather be?

2. Who decides to return to London, triggering a tantrum in Jamie?

3. What does Ada try to do the day Susan stays in bed?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does the doctor say about Ada and Jamie? What does it reveal about Mam?

2. Why is Susan reluctant when Lady Thornton asks her to take Ada and Jamie in?

Chapters 14-19

Reading Check

1. What does Susan read to Jamie and Ada each night before bed?

2. Who is given Ada’s assistance when she injures herself falling off a horse?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why might Susan have difficulty trusting Ada? What is Susan’s description of the difference between lying and being a liar?

2. What signs indicate that Jamie is having difficulty at school, and what is the reason behind this difficulty?

Chapters 20-25

Reading Check

1. What does Ada crush when Susan tells her it’s rude to change the response of an invitation?

2. What does Lady Thornton want Susan to do to help the Women’s Volunteer Service?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Ada angry with Susan about Butter’s care?

2. How does Ada react after accidentally breaking Susan’s sewing machine? What does Susan do when she finds out?

Paired Resource

“The Women of the Second World War”

• This article explores the role of women during World War II.
• Shared themes include Identity and Social Acceptance and Persistence and Hope.
• Why were women essential to survival on the British home front? How many women participated directly in the war effort? What was the role of the Women’s Voluntary Service?

Chapters 26-31

Reading Check

1. Who writes a letter to Ada that she is unable to read?

2. Who does Susan invite for Christmas?

3. What new book does Susan begin to read to Ada and Jamie?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How do Ada and the community help prevent Susan from falling into a mood of winter gloom?

2. What does Susan make for Ada, and why does Ada have difficulty accepting gifts from her?

Paired Resource

“Shelter at Home in the Second World War”

• This article explains the use of shelters during World War II.
• Shared themes include Abuse Versus Neglect and Persistence and Hope.
• What instructions were given to British civilians to prepare them for war? Why did many continue to live as usual, and when did they begin to take the preparations more seriously? What are some of the differences between Anderson and Morrison shelters?

Chapters 32-39

Reading Check

1. What causes Jamie and Ada to be concerned about getting enough food?

2. What forces Susan and the children to stay in the bomb shelter?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Susan feel conflicted about sending Ada and Jamie away for their safety?

2. Why is it difficult for Ada to stay in the bomb shelter?

Paired Resource

“Rationing in World War II”

• This 11-minute video explains rationing on the British Homefront.
• Shared themes include Abuse Versus Neglect.
• What lessons were learned by the British government during World War I? Why was the Ministry of Food established, and what was the purpose of the “Dig for Victory” campaign? What is the difference between rationing food and food-related neglect?

“How was the Battle of Britain Won?”

• This 2-minute video explains the tactics behind and the outcome of the Battle of Britain.
• Shared themes include Persistence and Hope.
• What tools did Hitler need to launch his invasion in Britain? Why did Germany begin bombing British towns? Why was the Battle of Britain so important to the British?

Chapters 40-46

Reading Check

1. What does Mam take away from Ada?

2. Who do the children find after they emerge from the bomb shelter?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Ada refuse to stay with Susan even after Susan offers to go to the police?

2. Why is Mam angry with Ada for wanting to get an operation on her foot?

Recommended Next Reads

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

• This historical fiction novel is the sequel to The War That Saved My Life. In it, Ada and Jamie encounter new people and face new challenges during World War II.
• Shared themes include Identity and Social Acceptance and Persistence and Hope.
• Shared topics include World War II, prejudice, and family.
• The War I Finally Won on SuperSummary

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

• This historical fiction novel is about an 11-year-old girl who is sent to live with her father while he works on a top-secret operation during World War II.
• Shared themes include Identity and Social Acceptance and Persistence and Hope.
• Shared topics include World War II, friendship, and bullying.
• The Green Glass Sea on SuperSummary