This journey into wartime Chicago provides a portrait of our nation’s homefront experience in more than 130 period photos, oral history interviews and text.
Doing My Part (Home-Front Heroes)
Until World War II came along, fourteen-year-old Helen Marshall’s biggest problem had been her height. Few men in Hayden’s Valley, Illinois are as tall as Helen. But when Helen’s mother is hurt and can’t work and her favorite cousin ships off to fight, Helen must find a way to support both her family and her country. Along with her best friend, Janie, she takes a summer job at a war factory and discovers that not everyone welcomes her enthusiasm. Determined to prove she can handle her new responsibilities, Helen must confront a lazy boss, two older women who try to slow down her work, and townspeople who gang up on one of their own. But when she answers the eerie cries of her mysterious German neighbor, Mrs. Osthoff, Helen learns the true sacrifice of war. And when she keeps a secret for a friend, she realizes that grown-up decisions sometimes have life-or-death consequences.
Casey over There
When his older brother, Casey, goes off to fight in World War I, seven-year-old Aubrey is left behind in Brooklyn to play kick the can, ride the Coney Island ferris wheel, and send mail to Casey in France. When time goes by with no word from Casey, Aubrey decides to write a letter to “Uncle Sam”. Full color.
On the Wings of Heros
Davy Bowman’s brother and their dad hung the moon. Dad looks forward to Halloween more than a kid, and Davy’s brother, Bill, flies B-17s. Davy adores these two heroes and tries his best to follow their lead, especially now. World War II has invaded Davy’s homefront boyhood. There’s an air raid drill in the classroom, and being a kid is an endless scrap drive. Bill has joined up, breaking their dad’s heart. It’s an intense, confusing time, and one that will invite Davy to grow up in a hurry.
Still, Richard Peck is a master of comedy, and even in this novel of wartime uncertainty, he infuses his tale with humor: oddballs and rascals and boyhood misadventures alongside the poignant moments. This is one of Richard Peck’s very finest novels—a tender, unforgettable portrait of the World War II homefront and a family’s love.