A collection of five short stories featuring nine-year-old Molly McIntire, growing up in Illinois in 1944 during World War II as she takes a much-needed trip to her grandparents' farm, collects money for the war effort, teams up with her friend Susan to write a report on George Washington, tries to care for her new puppy, and takes a nature hike ending in a surprise. Each story includes a non-fiction essay about the culture and customs of the time....

Josefina Montoya and her sisters love the comfortable traditions of life on her family's New Mexican rancho, but they are suspicious of the changes their Ti?a Dolores is bringing to the household because they fear they will lose their memories of their mother. Five short stories featuring Josefina are followed by brief accounts of what life was actually like in the southwest in the 1800s.

Kit Kittredge witnesses her family go from rich to poor overnight because of the Depression. Doing extra chores and going without the things her family hasn't been able to afford since her dad lost his job isn't easy for Kit, but she is determined to make a difference for her family and for her community. Five short stories featuring Kit are followed by brief accounts of what life was actually like for Americans during the Great Depression.

Josefina and her sisters are excited when energetic young Aunt Dolores arrives at the rancho, bringing new ideas, new fashions, and new challenges, but they worry the changes will make them forget Mamaa, especially as Christmas approaches.