Books with author Kimberly Bradley

This story of Thomas Jefferson's children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, tells a darker piece of America's history from an often unseen perspective-that of three of Jefferson's slaves-including two of his own children. As each child grows up and tells his story, the contradiction between slavery and freedom becomes starker, calliing into question the real meaning of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This poignant story sheds light on what life was like as one of Jefferson's invisible offspring.

ETHEL IS 10 YEARS OLD in 1901 when her family’s life changed forever. Suddenly, Father is not only a famous cowboy, war hero, and politician, but also President Theodore Roosevelt, leader of the United States—and Ethel has a new place to call home. The White House is older and stuffier than Ethel imagined, but there’s never a dull moment with her adventurous family around. Ethel would love to spend every day following Father on horseback rides and scrambles through neighboring Rock Creek Park. Instead, Ethel has to stay at boarding school during the week, where nothing she does feels right and none of the girls seem to like her. Ethel’s parents keep telling her to keep her chin up and be patient, but it’s not easy being the president’s daughter. Ethel wishes she could be as courageous as father and make her family proud. When her fashionable older sister arrives home, Ethel feels new hope. Sister knows the secret of being brave and making friends, and she’s willing to share it. All Ethel needs to do is take one outrageous dare.From the Hardcover edition.

From the Newbery Honor and Schneider Award-winning author of The War that Saved My Life comes Halfway to the Sky, a compelling novel perfect for fans of Rain Reign. Twelve-year-old Dani is running away from home, or what’s left of home anyway. Her older brother, who had muscular dystrophy, died a few months ago. Then her father left and her parents got divorced. Now home is just Dani and her sad, silent mother, and Dani’s got to get away. She plans to do something amazing, and go where her parents will never find her: she’s going to hike the whole Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. The trail is a legend in her family, the place where her parents met, fell in love, and got married 14 years before. Unfortunately for her master plan, her mother doesn’t have much trouble figuring out where Dani’s gone. Now it’s the two of them, hiking for as long as Dani can manage to persuade her mother to keep going. But Dani’s got an even longer emotional journey to make—and it’s one she and her mom need to make together."A wise and thoughtful book."-The Bulletin"[Readers] will readily relate to the angst and anger and be intrigued by the details about the Trail itself."-Kirkus Reviews

Abigail is starting a new middle school, a Catholic school, because she?s been expelled from her old one. She?s sure that this place will be just the same as the last, and no one will listen to her here either. Even her parents don?t seem able to really hear the truth about what happened at the previous school. But now she finds herself in a community of people who do listen, who want to be her friends, and who help her discover a talent for theater that she never knew she had. Converting to Catholicism began merely as a way to annoy her parents, but quickly it becomes more. Could she be developing real faith? Kimberly Brubaker Bradley masterfully tells the tale of Abigail?s spiritual journey and the faith that comes to those who need it.

From the Newbery Honor and Schneider Award-winning author of The War that Saved My Life comes For Freedom, the thrilling true story of one of France's youngest spies during World War II and perfect for fans of Code Name Verity and The Diary of Anne Frank. Suzanne David's everyday life is suddenly shattered in 1940 when a bomb drops on the main square of her hometown, the city of Cherbourg, France, killing a pregnant neighbor right in front of her. Until then the war had seemed far away, not something that would touch her or her teenage friends. Now Suzanne's family is kicked out onto the street as German soldiers take over their house as a barracks. Suzanne clings to the one thing she really loves--singing. Her voice is so amazing that she is training to become an opera singer. As Suzanne travels around for rehearsals, cosume fittings, or lessons, she learns more about what the Nazis are doing and about the people who are "disappearing." Her travels are noticed by someone else, an organizer of the French Resistance. Soon Suzanne is a secret courier, a spy fighting for France and risking her own life for freedom.[STAR] "This taut, engrossing World War II novel instantly immerses readers,...[but] the real focus, however, is the skin-crawling suspense story about one of France's youngest spies. Each chapter brings new intrigue and often shocking revelations...resonat[ing] with authenticity, excitement, and heart."-Booklist, Starred[STAR] "This suspenseful novel,...based on a true story, moves swiftly into action...Filled, but not laden, with the events of the war, and peppered with French language and the culture of music, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy history and espionage."-SLJ, Starred[STAR] "Based on Bradley’s interviews with the real Suzanne, this is an exciting account of a girl’s coming of age in a scary time. The historical context is neatly woven into the story."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred"The action will have readers on the edge through the tense conclusion, and the epilogue is not to be missed."-The Bulletin"A highly compelling look at the covert battle for freedom."-Publishers WeeklyAn IRA Teachers' ChoiceAn ALA Amelia Bloomer SelectionA VOYA Top Shelf Fiction SelectionA New York Public Library Book PickA Bank Street College Best Book of the Year

From the Newbery Honor and Schneider Award-winning author of The War that Saved My Life comes The President's Daughter, a novel about the Roosevelts and perfect for fans of hisorical fiction. ETHEL IS 10 YEARS OLD in 1901 when her family’s life changed forever. Suddenly, Father is not only a famous cowboy, war hero, and politician, but also President Theodore Roosevelt, leader of the United States—and Ethel has a new place to call home. The White House is older and stuffier than Ethel imagined, but there’s never a dull moment with her adventurous family around. Ethel would love to spend every day following Father on horseback rides and scrambles through neighboring Rock Creek Park. Instead, Ethel has to stay at boarding school during the week, where nothing she does feels right and none of the girls seem to like her. Ethel’s parents keep telling her to keep her chin up and be patient, but it’s not easy being the president’s daughter. Ethel wishes she could be as courageous as father and make her family proud. When her fashionable older sister arrives home, Ethel feels new hope. Sister knows the secret of being brave and making friends, and she’s willing to share it. All Ethel needs to do is take one outrageous dare."[Bradley] makes Ethel a vivid and engaging presence and...[this novel is] a fascinating look at an intriguing world."-Kirkus Reviews"A fascinating story."-Booklist"Loaded with historical details...the novel rings true and the people come to life."-SLJ"Fascinating glimpses of pre-World War I Washington and one of the liveliest families to ever occupy the White House."-The Bulletin

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds, set during World War II. Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room flat. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him. So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Miss Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take in the two children. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother? This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley has written several historical novels for children and young adults, including the bestselling Newbery Honor Book The War that Saved My Life. She lives on a farm in Tennessee with her husband and two young children. ‘Achingly lovely…Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada’s stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories.’ Wall Street Journal ‘Ada’s voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity… Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally. Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada’s personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.’ STARRED reviewKirkus ‘Proving that her courage and compassion carry far more power than her disability, Ada earns self-respect, emerges a hero, and learns the meaning of home.’ STARRED reviewPublishers Weekly ‘Bradley presents this episode in Britain’s history in a form that young readers will appreciate, learn from and enjoy: a moral tale wrapped up in an adventure story…A moving and uplifting read.’ BookMooch ‘A beautifully written and very moving book, bound to be an instant classic…A beautiful story of hope and family.’ Booktopia ‘Heartwarming…A delightful WWII story with a totally winning protagonist.’ Paper Fury ‘Comforting in its familiarity…Ada's voice is honest and authentic and true…It's a lovely little novel to curl up with on a rainy day, that took me back to the novels I read and loved as a child.’ Steph Bowe ‘Ada’s transformation from an angry young woman into a confident lady is imaginatively drawn.’ Australian Women’s Weekly ‘A moving and captivating story.’ Best Middle Fiction Books of 2016, Readings ‘A stunning story that will pluck you into its events and carry you along to its brilliant ending as if you were a feather on a strong, steady breeze.’ School Magazine ‘A touching story that can be read by all ages, The War that Saved My Life is deserving of the awards it has won and been nominated for. It is a book that shows a different side to the war, and will hopefully become a much-loved classic in years to come.’ Book Muse

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds, set during World War II. Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room flat. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him. So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Miss Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take in the two children. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother? This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley has written several historical novels for children and young adults, including the bestselling Newbery Honor Book The War that Saved My Life. She lives on a farm in Tennessee with her husband and two young children. ‘Achingly lovely…Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada’s stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories.’ Wall Street Journal ‘Ada’s voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity… Things come to an explosive head, metaphorically and literally. Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada’s personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.’ STARRED reviewKirkus ‘Proving that her courage and compassion carry far more power than her disability, Ada earns self-respect, emerges a hero, and learns the meaning of home.’ STARRED reviewPublishers Weekly ‘Bradley presents this episode in Britain’s history in a form that young readers will appreciate, learn from and enjoy: a moral tale wrapped up in an adventure story…A moving and uplifting read.’ BookMooch ‘A beautifully written and very moving book, bound to be an instant classic…A beautiful story of hope and family.’ Booktopia ‘Heartwarming…A delightful WWII story with a totally winning protagonist.’ Paper Fury ‘Comforting in its familiarity…Ada's voice is honest and authentic and true…It's a lovely little novel to curl up with on a rainy day, that took me back to the novels I read and loved as a child.’ Steph Bowe ‘Ada’s transformation from an angry young woman into a confident lady is imaginatively drawn.’ Australian Women’s Weekly ‘A moving and captivating story.’ Best Middle Fiction Books of 2016, Readings ‘A stunning story that will pluck you into its events and carry you along to its brilliant ending as if you were a feather on a strong, steady breeze.’ School Magazine ‘A touching story that can be read by all ages, The War that Saved My Life is deserving of the awards it has won and been nominated for. It is a book that shows a different side to the war, and will hopefully become a much-loved classic in years to come.’ Book Muse

Like the classic heroines of literature, Ada wins our hearts as she continues her World War II adventures after the Newbery Honor–winning The War that Saved My Life. When Ada’s clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she’s not what her mother said she was—crippled in her mind as well as in her body. But who is she, she wonders? Ada and her brother, Jamie, are living with their guardian, Susan, in a cottage in the English countryside, on the estate of the formidable Lady Thorton and her daughter, Maggie, Ada’s dearest friend. Life in the crowded cottage is tense. Then Ruth, a Jewish girl from Germany, moves in. A German? Everyone is horrified. Ada must decide—where do her loyalties lie? The War I Finally Won is the marvellous conclusion to Ada’s powerful, uplifting story. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley has written several historical novels for children and young adults, including the bestselling Newbery Honor Book The War that Saved My Life. She lives on a farm in Tennessee with her family. ‘Brubaker Bradley is unsparing in her rendition of the human toll that wars incur. But it is a book, like its predecessor, that teems with beauty…Both books leave a profound afterglow and establish themselves firmly as classics to be loved and revisited.’ Magpies ‘A fitting sequel.’ NZ Listener, 50 Best Books for Kids Ada’s voice is honest and authentic and true…A novel to curl up with on a rainy day; it took me back to the novels I read and loved as a child.’ Steph Bowe, author of Night Swimming Achingly lovely…Nuanced and emotionally acute, this vivid tale from the wartime home front will have readers ages 10-14 wincing at Ada's stumbles and rejoicing to the point of tears in her victories. Wall Street Journal ‘Bradley sweeps us up in the story she’s telling and at the same time raises hard questions and makes us think—even as she moves us to tears.’ Starred Review, The Horn Book ‘This absorbing adventure, with its gentle humour and fearless characters, will captivate you. It is as exciting as it is poignant and wise and deserves to take its rightful place among the classics of children’s wartime literature.’ Reading Time ‘A deeply satisfying novel.’ Readings Best Middle Fiction 2017 ‘Ada’s struggles with her trauma are portrayed with such incredible nuance and heart-wrenching realism that readers are sure to empathize deeply and revel in the joy of watching thoughtful, introspective Ada heal and grow.’Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews ‘Bradley sensitively portrays Ada’s journey to accept selfless kindness and love after years of neglect in a poignant and satisfying story of found family that will stay with readers.’ Starred Review, Publishers Weekly ‘Fans of the first book will love the sequel even more.’ Starred Review, School Library Journal ‘Ada’s transformation from an angry young woman into a confident lady is imaginatively drawn.’ Australian Women’s Weekly on The War That Saved My Life ‘An inimitable, robust, yet lyrically written bildungsroman. Its gentle humour is poignant and heartwarming.’ Australian on The War that Saved My Life Ada’s voice is brisk and honest; her dawning realizations are made all the more poignant for their simplicity…Ignorance and abuse are brought to light, as are the healing powers of care, respect and love. Set against a backdrop of war and sacrifice, Ada’s personal fight for freedom and ultimate triumph are cause for celebration.’ Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews on The War that Saved My Life

A New York Times bestseller Like the classic heroines of Sarah, Plain and Tall, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables, Ada is a fighter for the ages. Her triumphant World War II journey continues in this sequel to the Newbery Honor–winning The War that Saved My Life When Ada’s clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she’s not what her mother said she was—damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. She’s not a daughter anymore, either. Who is she now? World War II rages on, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, move with their guardian, Susan, into a cottage with the iron-faced Lady Thorton and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded home is tense. Then Ruth moves in. Ruth, a Jewish girl, from Germany. A German? Could Ruth be a spy? As the fallout from war intensifies, calamity creeps closer, and life during wartime grows even more complicated. Who will Ada decide to be? How can she keep fighting? And who will she struggle to save? Ada’s