Molly - An American Girl

Title: Molly

Author: Valerie Tripp

Grade Level: 3&4th

Molly grows up in World War II era America. Her father is a doctor in England, caring for injured soldiers. Her mother works for the Red Cross. Molly spends her time trying to figure out what normal life is during war time. All of these books are very patriotic and very well written to paint a picture for children of what life was like back then.

#1 - Meet Molly - This book is not approved for a Christian school library. The plot is centered around Halloween and preparing for trick-or-treating. The girls dress as hula dancers for the event. There is also inappropriate teasing about a crush as well as a scene where undergarments are dumped from an upstairs window onto the crush's head.

#2 - Molly Learns a Lesson - In this book, Molly discovers what it means to truly work together as the third grade girls endeavor to win a prize in the "Lend-a-Hand" contest.

#3 - Molly's Surprise - Molly can't imagine Christmas without her dad. Will he even send them presents? And now her grandparents can't bring a tree. Will Christmas even be special?

#4 - Happy Birthday, Mollie - During the war, children were evacuated from London to safety. Mollie and her family host one of them, named Emily. When it comes time for Mollie's birthday party, though, will Emily ruin it?

#5 - Molly Saves the Day - What does it look like to overcome fear? And what does forgiveness look like at camp when best friends are put on opposite teams? Molly learns all this and more.

#6 - Changes for Molly - Everyone is changing except Molly. Or is she? Molly works hard to show those around her that she is changing and improving, but her efforts might cost her the things she wants most of all. This book specifically states that soldiers who die in war go to heaven.