The Light in the Cellar

The Light in the Cellar is a Historical Character Mystery that is part of Molly's books.

Characters

From the Central Series

• Molly McIntire
• Linda Rinaldi
• Susan Shapiro
• Emily Bennett
• Ricky McIntire
• Helen McIntire
• Jill McIntire
• Brad McIntire
• Dolores

Only in The Light in the Cellar

• Aunt Primrose
• David Shapiro
• Mrs. Fitzgerald
• Mr. Pritchard
• Mrs. Currier
• Mr. Emory
• Edith Schroeder
• Roy Laurence
• Phillip Townsend
• Mrs. Townsend
• Marta
• Ruth
• Nurse Carter
• Charlie

Chapter By Chapter Summary

Looking Back

Discusses rationing in America during World War II. Topics discussed:

• How World War II not only affected soldiers, but civilians as well
• How factories that once produced peacetime goods suddenly converted to producing military equipment following America's decision to enter the war
• Wartime shortages of everyday items and foodstuffs
• The use of ration books and stamps, permitting people to obtain an allotted amount of scarce goods such as sugar, butter, and gasoline
• The way rationing changed civilian life, making people to either do more with less or do without certain items
• Illegal activities concurrent with rationing, ranging from buying greater numbers of rationed items than allotted on the black market to production of counterfeit ration stamps and thievery
• How people found ways to contribute to the war effort, such as planting Victory gardens or caring for wounded soldiers
• The role canteens played in boosting morale among American soldiers
• The role children and teenagers played in the war effort, working as hospital volunteers or plane spotters

Trivia

• This book was covered in The American Girl Podcast Network show AG Ten-Minute Mysteries.