Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE WAR I FINALLY WON

book

THE WAR I FINALLY WON

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ada keeps overcoming obstacles during World War II. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to mature middle-grade readers: the prose is accessible, but abuse, wartime danger, antisemitism, disability, grief, and emotional trauma receive substantial treatment. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Loss is a recurring theme due to the setting of war.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of surgical procedures and minor physical injuries.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild language consistent with the period setting.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Contains subtext regarding the main guardian character's lifestyle.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to religious services or cultural norms of the time.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very light, age-appropriate budding relationships.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Bombings, wartime uncertainty, abuse memories, family danger, and emotional crises can be frightening or tense.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of alcohol in a social/period context.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Depicts the atmosphere of WWII, including air raids and threats of invasion.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Ada and others face abuse-related trauma, disability, prejudice, wartime danger, and uncertainty with increasing honesty and bravery.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages seeing situations from different perspectives.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Includes well-developed perspectives on disability, class, gender roles, Jewish identity, and different family experiences, with these differences affecting the characters’ lives.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

The story offers substantial insight into World War II Britain, disability, antisemitism, trauma, and social attitudes through fiction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, empathy, friendship, adoption-like family bonds, and practical support are central to the characters’ healing and relationships.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Central themes include recovery from abuse, trust, chosen family, resilience, confronting prejudice, and the importance of compassionate support.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters model persistence, accountability, caregiving, advocacy, and growth, while also making believable mistakes under stress.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE WAR I FINALLY WON would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE WAR I FINALLY WON, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE WAR I FINALLY WON
The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 12+The Brown Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1904Ages 10+The Crimson Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1903Ages 12+The Lilac Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1910Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating