First published 2016
Ten-year-old Ada has spent her entire life trapped in a single room. Her mother refuses to let her leave because of her twisted foot. When little brother Jamie gets evacuated from London during World War 2, Ada seizes her chance. She sneaks out and follows him to the countryside. Susan Smith finds herself stuck caring for both children whether she wants to or not. Ada discovers a world she never knew existed. She learns to ride a pony and teaches herself to read. She keeps watch for German spies alongside Jamie. Slowly, Ada begins to trust Susan, and Susan grows to love both children. But their mother still has legal control over them. The war rages on around their small village. Ada must decide whether this new life can truly be hers, or if she and Jamie will be dragged back to their old prison.
Genres: family-life, historical-fiction, 20th-century, world-war-ii
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: London, Countryside
Period: World War 2
316 pages · Paperback · Dial Books
Content warnings: child-abuse