Nine-year-old Molly is never short on dreams, ideas, and imagination. But with the world at war, Molly’s life is full of new limits and challenges. Before the war, Dad could always be counted on to make the McIntires' smile. Now he’s away in England helping wounded soldiers. And Mom is often out volunteering with the Red Cross.
At first, Molly spends a lot of time wishing things could go back to the way they were. But a bright spirit like Molly’s can’t be dimmed for long. Little by little, she finds ways to pitch in and spread cheer. She helps lead her class to victory in the school’s Lend-a-Hand contest. She also gives up her Christmas money to surprise her family with a Christmas tree. And when a young English girl named Emily comes to live with the McIntires', Molly warmly welcomes her into her life. With a new sense of purpose and patriotism, Molly learns she has the power to help others— and her country.
Molly's™ story
Nine-year-old Molly is never short on dreams, ideas, and imagination. But with the world at war, Molly’s life is full of new limits and challenges. Before the war, Dad could always be counted on to make the McIntires' smile. Now he’s away in England helping wounded soldiers. And Mom is often out volunteering with the Red Cross.
At first, Molly spends a lot of time wishing things could go back to the way they were. But a bright spirit like Molly’s can’t be dimmed for long. Little by little, she finds ways to pitch in and spread cheer. She helps lead her class to victory in the school’s Lend-a-Hand contest. She also gives up her Christmas money to surprise her family with a Christmas tree. And when a young English girl named Emily comes to live with the McIntires', Molly warmly welcomes her into her life. With a new sense of purpose and patriotism, Molly learns she has the power to help others— and her country.
Family & friends
Family & friends
James McIntire
Molly’s father is serving as a doctor during the war, helping treat wounded soldiers in England. Molly misses him very much and is overjoyed when he returns at the end of the war.
Helen McIntire
Molly’s mother keeps the family together and cheerful during the war while also working with the Red Cross. She tries to keep the peace between Molly and her siblings.
Jill McIntire
Molly’s older sister, Jill, is fourteen and very patriotic. She likes to act grown up and often loses patience with Molly, but she helps Molly with a big Christmas surprise.
Ricky McIntire
Molly’s older brother is twelve. Ricky and Molly often tease or fight with one another. Ricky has a crush on Jill’s best friend, Dolores.
Brad McIntire
Molly’s younger brother, Brad, is five. He loves toy airplanes.
Gladys Gilford
The McIntires’ housekeeper rules the house when Mrs. McIntire isn’t home. She can be stern but works hard to keep the McIntire clan fed and comfortable.
Emily Bennett
Molly’s English friend who comes to live with the McIntires' as it isn’t safe for her to remain in England. At first, she’s quiet and nervous, but she and Molly become close friends.
Susan Shapiro
Molly’s best friend, a dreamer who sometimes argues with Molly but always has her back.
Linda Rinaldi
Molly’s best friend who is practical but loves to create a scheme—even when it means tossing Ricky’s dirty laundry out of a window!
Charlotte Campbell
Molly’s teacher, who Molly admires very much. Miss Campbell is kind and encouraging, and Molly is always trying to find ways to impress her.
Helen McIntire
Molly’s mother keeps the family together and cheerful during the war while also working with the Red Cross. She tries to keep the peace between Molly and her siblings.
Jill McIntire
Molly’s older sister, Jill, is fourteen and very patriotic. She likes to act grown up and often loses patience with Molly, but she helps Molly with a big Christmas surprise.
Linda Rinaldi
Molly’s best friend who is practical but loves to create a scheme—even when it means tossing Ricky’s dirty laundry out of a window!
Charlotte Campbell
Molly’s teacher, who Molly admires very much. Miss Campbell is kind and encouraging, and Molly is always trying to find ways to impress her.
Story brought to life
Story brought to life
Molly McIntire™ Doll, Book & Accessories
Molly’s accessories include a reproduction of a 1943 steel-cut penny used during wartime copper shortages.
Molly McIntire is growing up while the world is at war. She desperately misses her dad, who is in England helping wounded soldiers. Her mom is busy volunteering at the Red Cross, and everyone is focused on working to win the war. Toys, treats, and holiday surprises are scarce—but Molly's imagination can't be rationed. She brings her friends together for the school's Lend-a-Hand contest, and she makes Christmas memorable for her family. With hope in her heart and pride in her country, Molly makes a difference on the home front. Read an excerpt
Molly McIntire is growing up while the world is at war. She desperately misses her dad, who is in England helping wounded soldiers. Her mom is busy volunteering at the Red Cross, and everyone is focused on working to win the war. Toys, treats, and holiday surprises are scarce—but Molly's imagination can't be rationed. She brings her friends together for the school's Lend-a-Hand contest, and she makes Christmas memorable for her family. With hope in her heart and pride in her country, Molly makes a difference on the home front. Read an excerpt
Valerie Tripp says that she became a writer because of the kind of person she is. She says she’s curious, and writing requires you to be interested in everything. Some of the details in Kit’s books are based on real things that happened to Ms. Tripp’s mother and grandparents during the Great Depression. Ms. Tripp says talking is her favorite sport, and writing is a way of talking on paper! She’s a daydreamer, which helps her come up with her ideas. And she loves words. She even loves the struggle to come up with just the right words as she writes and rewrites. Ms. Tripp lives in Maryland with her husband.
Illustrator Nick Backes
Nick Backes watched movies from the 1940s and looked at catalogues of clothes, furniture, and appliances to get to know Molly’s world. A commercial artist as well as an illustrator, Mr. Backes lived in Oklahoma City for many years. He passed away in 2013.
