Tripp, Valarie and Backes, Nick. Changes for Molly: A Winter Story. Madison, Wis. : Pleasant Co., 1988.
Plot: After waiting for several years, Molly's family finally gets the letter they have longed for. Molly's father will be returning safely after serving his country as a doctor during World War II. His letter expresses how he missed his family, and how he eagerly waits to see the changes in his children. Molly, however, has not changed. She is still plain old Molly. Determined to greet her father perfectly, Molly tries out for the dance show at the veterin's hospital. She receives the star role after changing her stick-straight hair into bright curls. She is convinced everything will be perfect. Yet, perfection often comes at a price.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Coming of Age
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Similar Titles: The Struggle, Missing in Action, The Art of Keeping Cool
Personal Thoughts: A light read that offers a link between historical issues and perminent concerns. Many works of historical fiction focus on the participants of World War II, but this member of the American Girls series takes note of the majority of the families in the war. Molly never spies on the Germans, falls in love with the enemy, or works for the government. Instead, she struggles with growing up, learns to work in a strained situation, and participates in community services. Reading the novel provides insight to the life of the everyman (everygirl?) in WWII. Also, the novel looks into topics still facing girls, particularly the desire to be "grown up." Molly wants her father to see how she has grown, but her appearance does not reveal the maturity she has accomplished. People still struggle with looks and growing, so the novel can still be applicable post-war.
A section at the end of the novel provides a brief historical review of the story's setting.
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